The theft of an estimated $25,000 worth of underground cabling from Reid Park will endanger the safety of the community, Mayor Jenny Hill said.
"Almost all of the electrical cabling, around 600 metres, that was installed along the pathway linking Charters Towers Road to the Reid Park Active Transport Bridge has been stolen," Cr Hill said.
"As a result, the lighting along this pathway is now completely inoperable.
"This is completely unacceptable. This pathway is part of our very popular active transport network, which is used at all hours by pedestrians and cyclists. It will now be in darkness while Council makes repairs. This is a potential safety issue for pathway users.
"It's also a kick in the guts for ratepayers who now have to pay to replace and reinstall the cabling. All up, we're probably looking at a total repair bill in the vicinity of $50,000.
"This money will have to come from other projects that were due to be undertaken in locations across the city. These suburbs will miss out because of this senseless theft."
The theft has been reported to Police and Council officers are reviewing CCTV vision to see if it can assist in identifying the culprits. Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444.
