$35m island roads project in the balance

A BURNING question in the sometimes-heated debate over whether homeowners in Phillip Island’s Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay estates should have to pay for new roads, drainage and footpaths appears to have been resolved.

In answer to a question from Cr Ron Bauer, at last week’s council meeting, about how the council will view those who fail to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the special charge scheme, General Manager Place

Making, James Stirton said these votes would not be counted, for or against, the $35 million project.

“They won’t be counted as a vote is my understanding,” said Mr Stirton.

What it means is that the opponents of the scheme, including the well-organised ‘Say No to the Sunderland Bay Surf Beach Special Charge Scheme’ may not need to get 521 no votes, or half of the 1041 property owners covered by the scheme to defeat it, but simply a number greater to those who say yes.

The group already claims to have secured more than 500 votes against the proposal, but only time will tell with the Bass Coast Shire Council voting last week to “commence the statutory process” by sending out letters quoting individual contribution costs, and calling on residents to agree to the scheme.

Residents will have 28 days to make their preference known but those who want the scheme will have to be sure to reply or the no case will win.

And, as stressed by Island Ward Councillor, David Rooks, at last week’s meeting, it is likely to be the only time the people of Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay will get a chance to eliminate the dust, and the health and safety problems that have dogged on these burgeoning foreshore housing estates for years.

“There are about 1070 homes within the Surf Beach, Sunderland Bay area, and they struggle with dust, which is a serious health issue for many people. And it’s also a bit of a health issue for the houses, which get smothered with dust all the time.

“There’s open drains, which are dangerous. There’s continuous potholes and maintenance that has to be done on the roads. And there’s issues when there’s heavy rains with sewerage,” said Cr Rooks.

“I appreciate the fact that there is a financial burden for people to have to pay for this. There are three payment plan options which are available. One is to pay upfront. One is to pay over a period of 10 years. And if you do have serious financial needs, then you can pay off over 20 years.”

Cr Rooks also confirmed with council officers that the way residents voted would be completely confidential.

“This is important because there has been a lot of angst within the community, a lot of pressure from different people, putting pressure on others, so I’m pleased to say that your vote counts and your vote is confidential.

“You should make that decision yourself, with your family and friends, and I ask you to take the opportunity seriously because this opportunity will probably never happen again in your lifetime,” said Cr Rooks.

Also speaking in the debate, Cr Clare Le Serve highlighted the success of similar project at Pioneer Bay, Cr Rochelle Halstead also noted the serious health issues while urging people with financial worries to reach out to council. Cr Brett Tessari said it was his family’s experience that these road and drainage works were a game-changer.

Property owners are being asked to contribute between $5170.21 and $77,857.32 towards the cost.

The council has already invested $947,225 in design and preliminaries.

And in details to be provided to council last week, they’re ready to commit $8,383,983 of the shire’s own money, from general rate revenue, to the $35 million project.

According to the council, the project is its highest priority:

“As per Council’s Urban Road and Drainage Improvement Policy, the Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay estates are the highest priority areas for possible infrastructure upgrades to be undertaken within the Shire.

“This priority was further confirmed through community engagement where residents and ratepayers in the area identified a number of significant infrastructure issues that are most appropriately resolved through a road and drainage upgrade project. These issues include concerns with drainage, dust generated from unsealed roads, traffic safety issues and a need for safe pedestrian passage through the estate.

“It is recommended that Council proceed to commence the formal statutory scheme process by resolving to issue a public notice of its intention to declare a special charge scheme for the purpose of improving road and drainage infrastructure within the Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay area.”

Accordingly council voted unanimously last week to commence the formal process.

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