Two sides of the fence in Island's special charge scheme

A SURF Beach and Sunderland Bay resident has voiced their support for a special charge scheme to be implemented at the estates.

The resident, who wished not to be identified, highlighted that many homeowners at the estates are supportive of the scheme as issues such as dust and road conditions are becoming intolerable. 

The shire has been consulting and investigating a charge scheme for almost a year, but there are still many stages and approvals before it can be formally implemented. 

Currently, council is presenting concept plans to the community, with indicative cost ranges for options to be included.

This has been based off questionnaire results undertaken by residents at the 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.

“If we want things fixed, we have to pay for it, it’s the system we’ve got with local government,” the resident told the Sentinel-Times. 

“Many people understand that, but some are trying to challenge it and say they want council rates to pay for the upgrade.

“But this is a standard scheme that many councils use to upgrade infrastructure.

“But I understand it’s difficult to cover the costs.”

The resident highlighted there was significant misinformation being circulated in the community about costs involved, as this was all yet to be confirmed. 

“I get that it’s difficult times (financially) but we’ve had 20 or more years to prepare for this,” they said.

“We’ve known this was coming, it isn’t just something that happened overnight.”

They also spoke of the health impacts the dust was having and the ongoing issues of potholes after heavy rains. 

“Once summer comes along, people will start having a higher exposure to it,” they said.

“I’m exposed to dust everyday on our road, every time I vacuum, I’m getting an inch thick of dust.

“You look at what happened at Sunset Strip, they didn’t get it (charge scheme) and now they’re all complaining about the dust and want council to do something about it.”

A council meeting is expected to take place in July 2023, to decide whether to declare the charge scheme. 

For more information, visit engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/surfbeachroads