Building better local roads in Gembrook

Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield said sealing roads delivers wide-reaching environmental, economic, and social benefits, and is crucial for improving the liveability of our townships.

"While I'm pleased to see works commence on yet another Sealing the Hills package, council and local communities have been left devastated by the recent federal government funding cut to the program of more than $100 million dollars, which has impacted more than 2500 households and will leave more than 130 roads unsealed."

In January, council received official confirmation that $109 million of committed funding for the Sealing the Hills roads program had been discontinued and withdrawn by the federal government.

"These communities deserve to have the federal government's promises of funding for unsealed road upgrades upheld, and council is committed to continuing to advocate for funding to be restored in its entirety," Cr Springfield said.

Council formally endorsed the Sealing the Hills petition lodged with the Australian Government at last night's council meeting.

"Thousands of residents and community members across Cardinia Shire and Yarra Ranges have rallied together in support of this petition, wanting to see our road sealing programs continue and funding restated." Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford said.

"Council fully supports our communities' advocacy efforts, and we hope that the federal government listens to their calls," she said.

The works on Innes Rd and the Russell-Blackwood package include pavement construction, kerb channel construction, construction of traffic calming devices, drainage works, signage and line-marking.

This project was made possible with funding from Council, Special Charge Scheme contributions from residents, and the now discontinued federally funded Sealing the Hills Program. Council is continuing to advocate for funding towards road sealing projects across the shire.

Works are expected to be completed by mid-2023, conditions permitting.