Special Charge Scheme finalised for Bellarine road

THE City of Greater Geelong has finalised a special charge scheme for a completed road construction project on the Bellarine.

Councillors received a report with final costings at its recent meeting and finalised the road construction in Ashbury Street West, Ocean Grove.

The upgraded and newly sealed road improves access and amenity for local residents and addressed long-standing issues with dust, mud and stormwater runoff.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj highlighted the benefits of the completed project.

“Under this scheme, the liveability of Ashbury Street West has been improved,” he said.

“These improvements will make a difference for the residents who use the road every day.”

Seven properties located between 14 and 20 Asbury Street West will directly benefit from the upgrade.

Property owners along the street were consulted and invited to provide feedback on the works through a community survey conducted in 2023.

Most respondents supported the road sealing and the installation of kerb and channel under the scheme.

Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said the improvements reflected the council’s commitment to working with the community.

“By working with the residents, we’re delivering practical improvements that respond directly to the needs of the Ocean Grove community.

“This upgrade not only improves safety but also helps strengthen community connections.”

Special charge schemes are used to pay for upgrades that benefit people’s land, with the cost shared by benefiting property owners.