Sealing Unsealed Roads

Road construction

Yarra Ranges Council is the responsible road authority for almost 1,800km of road. 700km of this network is unsealed.

There are areas throughout our municipality where unsealed roads are appropriate. This may be due to low volumes of traffic, no through roads or low housing density. We understand that summer dust and winter mud are a concern. Proactive maintenance is an important part of the overall asset management of our roads.

We receive many requests to seal and upgrade unsealed roads. The costs associated with this work are significant and have risen in recent years.   

Road sealing projects are usually undertaken in partnership between Council and residents. This partnership is managed using a Special Rate and Charge Scheme policy. We ask residents to contribute to upgrades as they are the primary beneficiary of the work. This is because upgraded infrastructure increases property values and to disburse Council funds over a wider network of roads.

Because Yarra Ranges Council has a significant network of unsealed roads, and the upgrade costs are significant, unsealed roads will remain a key part of our transport future.

Find current or past road projects

How are roads sealed?

Roads are sealed in one of the following ways:

  • Residents pay for the road to be sealed through a Special Rate and Charge Scheme policy – This is the most common way roads are sealed in the Yarra Ranges. Council may partly contribute towards the total project cost as an incentive for landowners to become involved. Special Charge Schemes are governed in accordance with Council’s Special Rate and Charge Scheme Policy 2025 and the Local Government Act 1989. 
  • Federal and State Government funded programs – Generally, this funding is reserved for unsealed roads key community facilities and/or high traffic volumes. Council has limited funding via government grants which are earned through ongoing advocacy.   
  • Developers as part of their planning permit obligations – In new subdivisions, the cost of infrastructure (such as sealed roads, footpaths and drainage) is shared across all lots to be sold by the developer. The purchaser of the new lot and its subsequent purchasers pay to get the benefits of the infrastructure. 

Learn more about Special Rate and Charge Schemes

 

Frequently asked questions

How does Council choose which roads to seal?

To assist with assessing requests for road sealing, we developed an assessment guideline. The categories include:

  • Number of properties
  • Community & social factors
  • Socio-economic factors
  • Maintenance costs & requests
  • Traffic hierarchy & volumes
  • Road access
  • Environmental/planning overlays.

Can you seal my road, as it must be expensive to keep grading it?

The annual cost of maintaining unsealed roads is high. However, the cost to upgrade them to a sealed surface is far greater. Council does not have a budget to seal all roads. The only available option for this is where landowners contribute towards the cost of the works under a Special Charge Scheme. 

   

What is the cost to seal a road?

A typical full urban road with 500 metres of road length costs on average $1 million. The cost to seal a road will vary depending on its design and road length.

How do I get my road sealed?

  • Step 1. Read the Special Charge Scheme FAQs
  • Step 2. Call our Infrastructure Delivery team to discuss
  • Step 3. Chat with your neighbours seeking support
  • Step 4. Submit a petition

Find out more about how to submit a petition to Council. 

How long might it take to get my road sealed?

It typically takes around 3 to 5 years from planning to construction. The process includes assessment, consultation, design, landowner engagement, reporting and statutory processing.

All road sealing projects are subject to availability of funding, receiving majority landowner support and Council approval.

What is the approximate cost per property?

For an urban residential lot, the approximate cost to the property owner generally starts around $20,000 per benefit unit. This will vary greatly depending on the design, length of road and the number of properties included in each scheme.

We are currently assessing around 60 road sealing requests to determine approximate costs to landowners. These costs are likely to range on average between $20,000 and $40,000 per benefit unit.

For more information on approximate costs relevant to your road, please contact the Infrastructure Delivery team.

What is a Special Rate and Charge Scheme?

A Special Charge Scheme is whereby Council and landowner contribute towards an infrastructure improvement projects such as roads, footpaths and drainage. 

To learn more, visit Special Charge Scheme FAQs.

How does a Special Rate and Charge Scheme get approved

For a scheme to proceed, Council must agree and the majority of property owners must support the proposed works and agree to financial contribution.  

Please Note: if the scheme goes ahead, all property owners must contribute even if they are not in favour of the scheme.

Why do I have to pay for my road to be sealed?

The road network in the Yarra Ranges has existed for more than 100 years and Council has partnered with landowners to seal more than 200km of unmade roads as special charge schemes.  Council does not currently have the funding available to seal the more than 700km of unsealed roads that still exist. 

Through a special charge scheme, Council and property owners contribute to the cost of the works, and owners can make repayments over 10 years through their rates.  


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