PROPERTY owners on The Esplanade at Sunderland Bay have been asked to comment on a special charge scheme proposed by Bass Coast Shire Council.
Details of the special charge scheme from Sunderland Bay Road to Zephyr Court have finally been revealed by Bass Coast Shire along with the cost to each property owner.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s preferred concept option includes sealing of The Esplanade between Sunderland Bay Road to Zephyr Court, underground drainage and the creation of narrow zig-zag chicanes to slow traffic.
A committee comprising the Mayor and the three Island Ward Councillors will be appointed to consider submissions to the scheme.
Cr Tracey Bell said the road was in terrible condition and residents have shown through engagement that they want it sealed with proper drainage.
Cr Tim O’Brien said residents in the area were in favour of the scheme.
Bass Coast Shire Council received a petition from property owners requesting a road and drainage upgrade project for The Esplanade in March 2024.
After engaging with affected property owners between July and August 2024 Council has delivered a range of concept options and costs for community consideration.
The total estimated project cost is estimated at $1,849,550.
After the deduction of amounts to be paid by Council the cost of the proposed scheme to each individual property is estimated at between $11,938.28 and $28,897.69. A hardship payment plan can be tailored to the individual needs of eligible ratepayers.
Bass Coast Shire has admitted to a legacy of urban areas with unsealed roads that have no underground drainage or footpaths. The estimated cost of bringing all these urban areas to a basic level of infrastructure is over $250 million.
The Esplanade between Sunderland Bay Road and Zephyr Court has been one of Council’s highest priorities with a history of dust and traffic safety issues, including localised flash flooding and inundation from high-intensity storm events.
The land on the southern side of the scheme area is a publicly owned coastal reserve managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks (PINP) and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
In peak periods, it has been estimated that 464 vehicles use The Esplanade daily, with 351 vehicle trips generated from traffic outside the scheme boundaries from either tourist traffic accessing beach carparks, or from elsewhere in Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay.
Under Section 223 of the Act, any person is eligible to make a submission regarding the proposed special charge. Those landowners included within the scheme will be advised so that they can make written submissions and request to have their submission heard by the appointed Committee of Council.
In response to a petition received by council in February 2024, Bass Coast Shire Council are also appealing for submissions to a special charge scheme for The Esplanade from Sunderland Bay Road to Batman Street in Surf Beach. The council’s preferred plan would see the sealing of the road, underground drainage, the creation of narrow zig-zag chicanes to slow traffic and a footpath on the ocean side of The Esplanade. This special charge would amount to $1,553,076 with council intending to declar and levy by way of the Special Chare an amount of $409,391.
For more information, go to engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au.