Shire seeks views on unsealed roads

THE Surf Coast Shire is reviewing how it maintains and renews unsealed roads across the municipality, and has begun community consultation on the issue.

The Unsealed Roads Review will look at maintenance and renewal practices and policies the shire uses for all its unsealed roads.

Recommendations from the review will be used to develop long-term and sustainable options for maintaining these roads in the future.

The shire stated it wanted to hear from the community, local road users and local businesses about issues, safety concerns and expectations they have about unsealed roads within the shire, as “local knowledge will be critical to ensuring the review considers all available information”.

A drop-in session was held at the Aireys Inlet Market on Sunday, and there will be two more to give the community a chance to discuss the unsealed roads with shire officers and complete a survey online.

These will be held tomorrow (Saturday, March 16) at the Moriac Community Centre, Newling Reserve, 830 Hendy Main Road, Moriac from 9.30am-12.30pm; and at Connewarre Hall, 15 Randles Road, Connewarre from 2pm-5pm.

“The community is encouraged to fill in the survey, including an interactive map where residents can place a pin on a road and leave a comment for council officers to review,” Cr Heather Wellington said.

“Over 57 per cent of our roads are unsealed roads and we know most of them are in rural areas, so make sure you have your say on this issue if it affects you.

“If you cannot make a drop-in session, make sure you complete the online survey. Paper copies of the survey are available at the drop-in sessions or you can call the council office on 5261 0600 and request a paper copy be sent to you.”

The Aireys Inlet community has a long history of supporting unsealed roads in the town.

In an email to members last week, the Aireys Inlet & District Association (AIDA) Charlotte Allen stated this was backed by “surveys of resident viewpoints over the past 30 years, the Statement of Neighbourhood Character in the Planning Scheme, and the decisions of two council citizens’ juries on local road sealing.

“It is very important that council receives strong feedback in support of our unsealed roads. If not, we can expect a move to seal many roads.

“Of course, we would welcome improved maintenance of the existing unsealed roads.”

Ms Allen urged AIDA members to complete the survey.

To fill out the survey before the April 8 deadline, head to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/unsealedroads