Drouin road jumps queue
A gravel road that serves hundreds of Drouin residents is set to be sealed.
Baw Baw Shire Council has accepted a tender for the design and construction of a 670 metre section of Shillinglaw Rd. But one councillor opposed the works, saying the project had jumped the queue ahead of other priorities.
Council approved the $594,500 tender and also agreed to allocate $60,000 of unspent capital funding from Paynters Rd drainage works to meet the shortfall.
Officers said given the available budget for works, only a section of the road would be constructed, which will be between Settlement Rd and Amelia Crt.
About one kilometre of road construction will remain outstanding, as well as street lighting and footpath works which will be undertaken as second stage.
The tender was Earthmoving Pty Ltd.
Officers said the sealed surface, improved drainage and kerbing would result in a safer road network, reduced dust and improved level of service for adjoining developments.
Cr Jessica O’Donnell said the status of Shillinglaw Rd was appalling and it deteriorated very quickly after being graded.
She said it was pleasing officers had consulted with Friends of Drouin Trees members to ensure the impact on trees and the environment was lessened.
Cr O’Donnell said the road was heavily used, beyond what was intended.
“There is significant housing along there and the road was never built to cater for that traffic,” she said.
Cr Tricia Jones said the road was narrow, gravel and had many potholes.
She said the road had become a main thoroughfare and it was dangerous to drivers who tried to avoid potholes or navigate a safer path.
Cr Darren Wallace said it was unlike him to speak against any road works, particularly gravel roads.
But, he said Shillinglaw Rd was not on top of the list and had jumped the queue.
He asked what happened to Witton St, Longwarry; Young St and Peddar St in Darnum; and Rollo St, Yarragon.
“I am not sure why this is happening ahead of those priorities,” he said. awarded to McInnes
Cr Wallace also asked why developers of the adjoining residential estates were not asked to contribute to the construction.
“We are going to spend $600,000 on a project that isn’t justified and hasn’t be funded by developers and will benefit other developers.
“The money should be spent on roads but it should be funded by others or wait until it’s a priority.
Cr Keith Cook defended the expenditure and project. He said it was a collector road that carried hundreds if not thousands of cars each day.
“Perhaps the developer should’ve paid for it but that’s in the past,” he said.
The contractor will notify residents and other affected stakeholders at least 14 days before works begin.