General News
31 October, 2023
Shire approves special charge schemes
NEW footpaths are on the way across the Corangamite Shire, with council approving a number of special charge schemes.
NEW footpaths are on the way across the Corangamite Shire, with council approving a number of special charge schemes.
Among the special charge schemes were two in Cobden and one in Timboon.
A section of the existing concrete footpath on the northern side of Parrot Street east of Victoria Street to Walker Street in Cobden,
Shire manager assets planning John Kelly said the owners have indicated their general support of the proposal.
“This Special Charge Scheme allows for defraying a portion of the cost of the construction of 166 metres of concrete footpath and associated works on the northern side of Parrott Street from east of Victoria Street to Walker Street, Cobden,” he said.
Mr Kelly said council had provided an allocation of $23,250 for the footpath installation in Parrott Street in the 2023/24 budget.
“There is considered to be a high community benefit with the footpath constructed in this section of Parrott Street with improved access to the Cobden CBD to the north and to Cobdenhealth to the south,” he said.
“Based on the community benefit and the special amenity and access benefits to the abutting property owners, it is recommended that 75 per cent of the cost of construction of the footpath should be borne by council and 25 per cent is to be borne by the abutting owners.”
Council will contribute $20,745 of the $27,660 project, with residents contributing $6915.
A special charge scheme was also declared for the installation of kerb and channel in Cover Street, from north of Silvester Road to Neylon Street in Cobden.
Following an onsite meeting one of the impacted owners raised a series of concerns about the proposal including the drainage outlet pipe from property not being accounted for, increase of traffic and impact on street appeal.
Mr Kelly said as there had been general support from property owners to the project it was recommended the works go ahead.
“In accordance with council’s policy for special rates and charges, council will contribute the policy minimum of 35 per cent of the total cost of implementing this scheme,” he said.
“The remaining 65 per cent of the cost of construction is to be borne by the abutting owners.”
The estimated costs of the kerb and channel works was $18,275 with property owners contributing $11,879 and council’s contribution being $6396.
In Timboon, a special charge scheme for road upgrades on Curdies River Road was approved.
Under the works the exiting gravel road would be sealed on Curdies River Road just north of the Timboon Golf Course to about 280 metres north of Colcott Street.
Mr Kelly said an onsite meeting saw concerns raised the proposed resident contribution of 30 per cent was high “given that the amount of through traffic that travelled along the road was much more than that generated by abutting properties”.
A traffic count was conducted and it was estimated eight per cent of the traffic was generated by abutting properties.
“This forms the basis of the proposed proportion that residents are to contribute to the special charge scheme,” Mr Kelly said.
The estimated cost of sealing the section of road was $220,500 with property owners contributing $17,640 and council contributing the remaining $202,860.
Cr Jamie Vogels welcomed the sealing of Curdies River Road.
“There was a lot of engagement from council with the residents,” he said.
“I think it’s a pretty good outcome.”