By Corey Everitt
Cardinia Shire Council remains committed to sealing roads through the hills with Mayor Kowarzik saying the Federal Government should “finish” what was started.
Last week the Gazette reported on the ongoing efforts to seal large parts of Cardinia’s dirt roads with community groups in the Dandenong Ranges ramping up campaigns in the lead up to the Federal Election.
Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzik responded to queries about the council’s direction this election. He reiterated that the council is asking for more than $100 million to be reinstated by the Federal Government.
“The original funding commitment would have subsidised about 85% of the total cost of works to seal more than 160 local roads,” he said.
Precisely, $109 million is being requested, which is the amount of funds that were abruptly cut by the Albanese Government in 2023.
This occurred because they withdrew money from a Morrison Government initiative commonly known as “Sealing the Hills”. This was a scheme combining Government subsidises, council funds and resident contributions to seal 164 roads.
“Council is calling on the Australian Government to finish sealing roads in areas such as Emerald, Cockatoo, Gembrook and surrounding towns,” Mayor Kowarzik said.
Cardinia Shire Council only received $41 million from the promised $150 million. With this funding they have been able to upgrade and seal 38 roads.
Many works are ongoing. The original project expected works to continue until 2029.
Currently, the council is in the midst of the “First-Grenville package” which will seal eight suburban streets in Cockatoo.
The final projects will start in the next few months. This includes a sealing package around the streets off Stoney Creek Road in Upper Beaconsfield and Old Gembrook Road in Emerald.
Ranges Ward Cr David Nickell hopes this isn’t truly the end as the next election is to occur in this time.
“We cannot afford to upgrade our large network of unsealed roads alone. Additional funding is essential if we want to improve, upgrade and seal these local roads, so I hope that the Australian Government hears our calls for assistance,” Cr Nickell said.
