By Derek Schlennstedt
The Australian Government has committed $300 million to seal roads across the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas.
The federal funding will enable 500kms of dirt roads in the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire to be sealed over a 10-year period.
The funding announcement was the result of an advocacy partnership between the two councils and both shires will now receive $150 million to go towards sealing roads.
Federal Member for Casey, Tony Smith, welcomed the funding and said that this was the “most comprehensive local road sealing funding investment by a federal government.”
“It will see roads in the Yarra Ranges Council area sealed over the coming years that would otherwise have taken nearly a century,” Mr Smith said.
“It will mean residents have safer better roads and the days of dust and pot holes will be a thing of the past for so many local residents.”
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Dandenongs were an iconic part of Victoria and has become more densely populated.
He also noted that the Dandenongs receive thousands of visitors each year and the infrastructure needed to reflect that increase.
“Sealing the roads in the Dandenongs will not only support the local tourism industry but will also provide improved access and safety for the local community,” he said.
“The package will also support economic development and tourism across the region, by improving access for businesses and tourists, as well as local residents who use the roads every day.”
Across the Dandenong Ranges and surrounds, approximately 1600 kilometres of local roads are unsealed.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Tony Stevenson said the funding will contribute to the sealing of dozens of roads, improving safety and amenity in the community, particularly in areas with a high bushfire risk.
“This funding will enable us to roll out a 10-year road construction program, which might otherwise have taken 60 or more years to complete,” Cr Stevenson said.
“This Federal Government funding will significantly accelerate road sealing, delivering safer roads sooner to thousands of families.”
Cardinia Shire Deputy Mayor Councillor Collin Ross also highlighted the need for better roads to support emergency responses.
“Our residents have been calling for road improvements to provide safer, all-weather access to their properties and community facilities. This funding will help us to deliver more, well-formed roads that will reduce the risks to drivers when visibility is poor and improve access during emergency events,” Cr Ross said.
As a striating point, both Councils will be focusing on roads that have schools, pre-schools and community facilities, followed by urban unsealed roads in towns and villages across the Yarra Ranges.
Roads in urbanised areas will be built using a special charge scheme, whereby construction would be co-funded by landowners and the Federal Government, with this funding package providing a substantial subsidy.
Landowners will have the option to finance contributions over a 10-year period, or pay up front to receive a discount.
