The need

The Dandenong Ranges are just a short trip from suburban Melbourne but are still home to an extensive network of unsealed roads. These present significant safety, maintenance and amenity issues across the region.

Safety is front of mind for Council, and no Cardinia Shire residents should feel uncertain about whether they will be safe in an emergency situation.

Sealed roads will ensure that storms do not prevent residents and emergency services from accessing homes and businesses and will guarantee escape routes during periods of high bushfire danger.

This project was previously funded by the Australian Government and the sealing of several roads was completed. Unfortunately, over three quarters of the funding was later cut – Council is calling for this to be reinstated and the entire project finished.

The plan

Council will upgrade and seal hundreds of kilometres roads across the Dandenong Ranges, including in Emerald, Cockatoo, Gembrook, and the surrounding towns.

Benefits to the community

Council understands that dust and potholes impact the quality of life for those living on unsealed roads. This is particularly true during unexpected weather events that are common in the Dandenong Ranges.

By sealing further roads in the area, residents will no longer have to deal with regular potholes, road surface

issues and dust. They will also be safer and more reliable in emergency situations.

Council’s maintenance costs for unsealed roads are significantly higher than those for sealed roads.

As vehicle numbers and adverse weather events increase, the financial burden of grading and maintenance will only grow.

Sealing the extensive road network in the hills will dramatically reduce ongoing maintenance costs and will free up Council funds for investment in other much-needed community services that benefit all residents, not just those on unsealed roads.