Mixed responses continue for charge scheme

 ANOTHER round of consultation is done and dusted as council continues to investigate implementing a special charge scheme at Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay estates.

The scheme allows council to pass on the cost of constructing sealed roads, kerb and channel, footpaths, underground drainage and other capital infrastructure to the owners of properties.

Council had estimated earlier this year the project could cost between $22.8 to $30.4m, based on previous projects.

Following the first round of feedback and a council vote to proceed with the next stage of the project, consultation for concept plans was undertaken during May and June. 

A letter and questionnaire were sent to the 1033 property owners at the estates asking about preferred road and drainage treatment options. 

According to the shire, 394 questionnaires were completed with the response varied. 

“There was generally a response to minimise additional feature aspects such as street characteristics, intersection changes, carparking and traffic calming,” the shire stated.

“There was most support for the installation of at least one footpath on streets.  The response to have lower carbon emission and less bright lights was split 50:50.  

“There was most support to have the major intersections with Phillip Island Road of Sunderland Bay Road and Dunvegan Crescent upgraded by others.  

“The installation of a service lane along Phillip Island Road by others was split 50:50.”

One question asked was if owners would like to see interim dust and safety treatments installed prior to any upgrades, and preferred treatments.

This saw 162 respondents in favour of 20km/h speed signs, however, 185 were against. 

While 319 responses were against chemical dust suppressants, and a further 282 said no to asphalt speed humps.   

The questionnaire also asked if owners want to see intersection improvements such as a roundabout at Sunderland Bay Road and Phillip Island Road, or a service lane along Phillip Island Road included in design options.

About 196 respondents were in favour of a roundabout at Sunderland Bay Road, but 271 were against a service lane at Phillip Island Road. 

According to the shire, the next stage is to develop several options of concept plans that align with the questionnaire results. 

“There is likely to be a minimal cost option, then several other options with additional features included with indicative cost ranges,” the shire stated.  

“The questionnaire responses will also be reviewed street by street to develop concept plan options and locate any additional features such as street characteristic enhancements, traffic calming and intersection upgrades. 

“It is likely the upgrades with Phillip Island Road such as Sunderland Bay Road and Dunvegan Crescent intersections and the service lane will not be included in this special charge scheme, but the concept options will allow for potential upgrades of these in the future by others.”

The next round of consultation is planned for October-November this year. 
For more information, visit https://engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/surfbeachroads