Down with dust

By Casey Neill
SHIRE of Yarra Ranges’ annual dust suppression program will kick off next month.
140 road sections measuring more than 80 kilometres will be treated at a cost of $170,000.
Yarra Ranges CEO Glenn Patterson said limited funding meant most of the 800 kilometres of unsealed roads in the shire would miss out.
“Priority needs to be given to those roads that carry a higher volume of traffic and have more residents living nearby,” he said.
The dust suppressant will stabilise the road surface and reduce moisture evaporation.
“While not a permanent treatment, it does give residents living on unsealed roads some very welcome short-term relief from dust,” he said.
Dust suppressant will be applied during December and January.
A list of roads to be treated is available at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
Those living on unsealed roads that are not included can apply to seal a 100 metre-plus section at a cost of $450 for the first 100 metres, and $300 for each additional 100 metres.
Applications for this resident-funded program must be made by Friday 5 December.
More information is available by calling the shire on 1300 368 333 or visiting their website.