To select the roads, a number of factors were considered:

• Community value – for example, roads that provide access to community facilities or are close to highly populated areas
• Traffic volumes - higher traffic roads were given priority
• Strategic value – for example, roads linking townships, alternative access routes to main roads, and those deemed as a high value fire escape route.
• Residential density - calculated by dividing the number of lots along the road by the length of the road.
• Safety - taken from the latest crash data available as well safety assessments where available
• Maintenance costs - the ongoing level of maintenance required by Council for each road.

• Construction of the first roads is expected to start in late 2021, after community consultation and pre-planning and design works are completed.
• Council has identified these roads to be sealed first:
  • Caroline Avenue, Boronia Crescent and Rouen Road Cockatoo
  • Crichton Road and Princess Avenue, Emerald
  • Station Street, Anzac, Heroes catchment and Innes Road, Gembrook
  • Armstrong Road, Upper Beaconsfield
  • Garden City Estate catchment, Cockatoo

• Once works on these roads is underway, community consultation and engagement on other priority roads will start.

• The Australian Government funding will cover about 85% of the costs to seal the priority roads, with Council and property owners contributing the rest via a special charge scheme (about 15%).
• Whereas normal landowner contributions via special charge scheme would range between $15,000 to $25,000, Council will cap landowner contributions for sealing roads under this program at $7,000 per benefit unit. (See information about contributions below).
• Using the Australian Government’s money in a co-payment system with landowners means we’ll be able to seal significantly more unsealed roads across the shire.
• Owners have the option to make scheme repayments over 7 years

• Existing lots (either developed or vacant) that currently have or will gain primary (vehicular) access from a road being constructed would generally be required to contribute one benefit unit ($7,000) towards the cost of construction.
• Existing lots, either developed or vacant, with side or rear abuttal to a road being constructed would generally be required to contribute one half benefit unit ($3,500) towards the cost of construction.
• Existing lots (either developed or vacant) that have or will gain primary access and also have side or rear abuttal to roads being constructed would generally be required to contribute one benefit unit ($7,000) in total.
• Existing lots that have the potential to be further subdivided or developed may be allocated a multiple development benefit unit charge.

• Council is committed to working closely with our community on this project. Our first step is to consult with residents to understand the level of support for the scheme.
• Through the process, there will be a chance for landowners to make submissions or objections about any part of the proposal to seal their road.
• If Council deicides to proceed with the scheme after assessing the survey results, landowners will receive written information about the proposal and how they can make a formal submission or objection.

• If you prefer to pay over several years
• You can pay over 7 years by quarterly instalments, in the same way you pay your annual rates. Financing costs, similar to home loan interest rates, are added to your charge. This is determined on advice from Council’s financial institution.
• If you prefer a lump sum payment
• The total charge (which does not include financing costs) must be paid within 6 months of the road construction being completed.

• If you’re unable to make your payments on time or at all, you may be eligible for consideration under Council’s Rate Recovery and Financial Hardship Policy. To enquire call us on 1300 787 624

• As part of the property settlement with the purchaser, the remainder of the charge can be paid out in full, or the purchaser can take over the yearly repayments.
• This information will be disclosed in the Section 32 statement provided during the land sale process.

• While it’s not possible for Council to speculate on property market forces, we know that sealing unsealed roads is seen as very important for many of our residents, so this would suggest that potential buyers would consider sealed roads favourably.

• Due to the $150 million in Australian Government funding, homeowners on roads listed to be constructed will be provided with a lower Special Charge Scheme rate than has been required from owners in the past
• Council has resolved to fix landowner charges for roads constructed under the program at $7,000 per Benefit Unit (refer to the definition above).

• Sealed and paved roads offer an opportunity to ensure and improve the safety of all the local roads.
• Sealed roads will also be easier on all vehicles, thereby offering easier access to properties.

• As part of the scoping and design process, Council officers will decide on the best practice and safest methods of construction. This may mean kerb and channel in some areas and open drain in others.

• Council is aware of differing topography in the Dandenong Ranges
• The priority list will see each road further investigated to ensure there are no environmental constraints to sealing. Council will work with local residents to provide viable options for sealing.

• Where residents decide to pay on a payment plan, Council’s policy stipulates a 1% charge over and above Council’s borrowing rate. As interest rates vary, so do repayments.

• Council will design the roads taking into consideration usage, speed and weather
• Roads proposed for sealing will be constructed in accordance with best safety practice with the introduction of speed control devices where considered necessary.

• The unsealed roads will be re-made with a flexible crushed rock pavement, with either an asphalt or spray seal surface
• Drainage and safety improvements, such as speed control measures, will also be made where necessary.

• Sealing the roads will:
• Boost safety
• Reduce issues with dust and corrugations in summer and potholes in winter
• Improve access to important community facilities and for emergency services
• Create a better driving experience for our local community.