February start for next streetscape

Streetscape improvements works in Warragul will continue next year with Mad Cat Constructions awarded the contract to beautify Victoria St.

Works are expected to begin in February next year. The works will upgrade the footpaths and provide a new, smooth surface consistent with previous streetscape stages in Smith and Palmerston Sts.

There will be no reduction in parking.

The project also will include upgrading the taxi rank to meet disability access standards.

However, councillors were disappointed the taxi rank will not be relocated as part of the works.

Two alternative sites were suggested including Victoria St, north of the Palmerston St roundabout; or Barkly St, adjacent to the Courthouse café.

Traders adjacent to both locations also opposed the proposed locations because of the loss of parking.

Mad Cat Constructions was awarded the contract at a cost of $690,390. The works are funded by $568,000 from council and a further $232,000 from council’s developer contributions fund.

Additional works outside the Mad Cat contract include:

Gardens and trees - $19,610; taxi rank shelter - $5000; repainting and upgrade of shelters at Victoria St pedestrian crossing - $15,000; installation of additional tactile ground surface indicators in Smith and Palmerston Sts ($25,000); Raised planter boxes in Smith St - $25,000; and historical signage along Victoria St - $20,000.

Cr Joe Gauci said the scope of the works had been done in consultation with the project reference group.

He said the works would not be as intrusive as works undertaken in the past in Smith and Palmerston Sts.

Cr Gauci said Mad Cat would undertake works from the shopfront to the kerb, without any roadworks.

“We are upgrading the taxi rank, but I’m disappointed we aren’t relocating it.

“And I am disappointed Vic Roads aren’t resurfacing Victoria St,” he said.

Cr Mikaela Power she also would’ve liked to see the taxi rank relocated.

She said she hoped once the streetscape works were completed, VicRoads would come on board and resurface the roadway.

Cr Danny Goss said the taxi rank was unable to be relocated because the two taxi companies could not agree on a new location.

“Neither would give any ground at all so we had to leave it where it was. It is disappointing they didn’t agree,” he said.

Cr Goss said the town looked terrific and he commended the engineering and infrastructure team for their work.

“Once Victoria St is finished it will look a picture,” he said.

Cr Goss said a section of the road would be “ripped up” by Gippsland Water, not council, as part of the works.

Message boards will be set up before works begin to inform community members and the contractor will liaise with traders on a weekly basis regarding progress of the works.