Community members on Witnish street and Victoria Street in Yarra Junction will be notified of Council’s intention to levy a Special Charge to seal their roads, as part of the Federal Government-funded Roads for the Community Program.
Councillors voted to endorse the motion, which will formally advertise Council’s intent to declare a Special Charge at their meeting on 14 September or the closest possible meeting.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor, Jim Child, acknowledged that 93 per cent of survey respondents were supportive of sealing the road via a special charge.
The Roads for the Community Program is a $150m Federal Government-funded program to seal roads across Yarra Ranges.
Traditionally, sealing of unsealed roads is done via a Special Charge Scheme, where Council and property owners on the affected roads both contribute to the construction cost, with property owners repaying their contribution through the property rates over 10 years.
The Federal funding will subsidise community member contributions for the sealing the roads, dramatically reducing the out-of-pocket costs for property owners and enabling Council to seal more than 100 kilometres of unsealed roads.
Community members subject to a special charge who are experiencing financial hardship, or having trouble with payments, are encouraged to call 1300 368 333 or visit yrc.vic.gov.au/ratesrelief