By BEN CAMERON
A PAKENHAM couple who have fallen on hard times have objected to paying $4000 for a Cardinia Shire Council special rate scheme to seal their street.
From a group of 16 landowners, Allan and Maree Williams were the lone opponent to a $190,000 Wadsley Avenue special rate.
A council report found the road is one of the latest unconstructed roads in central Pakenham and suffers flooding of adjoining properties after moderate rainfall due to a lack of proper drainage.
However, home owner Allan Williams said he had to give up work after being diagnosed with leukaemia in February and often relied on food hand outs.
“We actually like the road, it’s countrified, it reminds my wife of visiting her aunty in Clyde,” she said.
“Why should we pay? We don’t have a lot of money, we’re both on disability pensions.
“We’re struggling to put food on the table.”
A survey of landowners showed the majority were supportive of the works to the 100 metre section, which runs from Rogers Street to the rear boundary of the Pakenham Place shopping centre.
Council will contribute $57,000 to the road with the remaining $133,000 to be paid by landowners, ranging from $4063.89 to $19,211.
Property owners were consulted via a recent questionnaire which returned a “sufficient level of support”.
Pakenham Place, which will cough up $19,211.11, endorsed the works but did not wish to influence any decision.
Council Manager Assets and Development Paul Richardson said although the current legislation regarding special rate and charge schemes required affected residents to pay the contribution within four years, council had extended the period to seven years.
“Council also has a hardship policy to assist residents who face genuine hardship. Concerned residents are encouraged to contact council to have a private discussion about their circumstances,” he said.
