David Braithwaite
WELLINGTON Shire Council has moved a step closer to declaring a special charge scheme to upgrade unsealed roads in Longford.
Council will advertise its intention to declare the $430,000 scheme for Abels and Boyle Rds, with property owners to contribute a total of $61,200.
Council will contribute the remainder of the cost through its share of federal government Roads to Recovery funding.
A committee of three councillors will consider public submissions.
Located between the South Gippsland Highway and Boggy Creek Rd, 1450 metre long Abels and Boyle Rds currently have unsealed gravel pavement of variable road width, with irregular table drains.
Council received a petition for the works among its submissions for the 2020-21 budget.
An investigation of a special charge scheme began following ongoing property owner concerns in relation to dust, rutting and grading maintenance by council.
Council proposes constructing and sealing the roads to a 6.2m width, with table drains, driveway culverts and sealing vehicular crossings.
Council sent a letter, outlining the estimated cost of the works, to each property owner in the scheme area, along with a survey to assess support for the scheme.
Of the 17 property owners, 15 supported the proposed scheme.
The remaining two did not reply.
Meanwhile, council awarded a contract for the reconstruction and sealing of Boggy Creek Rd, Longford, to Bairnsdale Road Services.
The cost of the works on the 800m section of road is being covered through another special charge scheme.
