Joint support for sealed roads

Members of the CRAG21 group: Christine Sainsbury, Sue Wales and Russell Elbers, inspected one of the Cockatoo roads it is hoped will be sealed, with Simon Curtis, right.

By Mitchell Clarke

$300 million already allocated into the Federal Election to upgrade road infrastructure in Cardinia Shire has gained bipartisan support.

Latrobe Labor candidate Simon Curtis has pledged to support the funding if elected to office in May.

“I can confirm that if successful at the coming Federal Election, Labor will deliver the funding set aside in the Federal Budget to seal the roads in the Dandenong Ranges and surrounds, as well as to upgrade Wellington Road,” Mr Curtis said.

“Furthermore, the funding will be delivered in accordance with the funding schedule set out in the budget.”

$150 million will be dedicated to upgrading 244km of unsealed roads within Cardinia, while the other $150 million will go towards road upgrades in Yarra Ranges Shire.

344 roads in Avonsleigh, Beaconsfield Upper, Cockatoo, Dewhurst, Emerald, Gembrook and Guys Hill will become sealed over the next eight years.

CRAG21 (Cockatoo 21st Century Roads Action Group) has been lobbying for improved roads over the last two years.

Spokesperson Sue Wales said she’s pleased the efforts have led to this outcome.

“This bipartisan support reflects the very strong case CRAG21 has mounted for governments and council to contribute to addressing the backlog of unsealed roads in Cockatoo, and the acknowledgement of the safety and capacity concerns around the improvements needed for Wellington Road,” Ms Wales said.

“While remaining non-political, CRAG21 is extremely pleased that our lobbying of Labor about its position on the unsealed road issues has led to this outcome.

“We really welcome the recognition of our efforts in Jason Woods’ original announcement early in April and in Simon Curtis’ advice this week that Labor will support this funding if elected to office on 18 May.”

Sealing the roads will provide a major boost to health, safety and amenity, with hopes the upgrades will also allow excessive speeds to be controlled by diversionary kerbing or humps.

Ongoing problems with dust and corrugations in summer and potholes in winter, plus open drains have caused hazardous driving in many locations.

Caroline Avenue in Cockatoo is currently a very high priority as the road provides the main access to the primary school with 250 students.

“The funds allocated for work across the wider hills area exceed our expectations,” Ms Wales said.

“The importance of the Wellington Road corridor for residents of the hills region has also been recognised.

“All in all, this is a very gratifying result for the roads in our local areas.”

The Federal funds will cover roughly 60% of the costs, with council and property owners contributing through a special charge scheme.

For more: https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/info/20006/roads_footpaths_and_drains/614/sealed_roads_and_special_charge_schemes