Nominations for Surf Coast Shire Council's dust suppression program for unsealed roads are open until 13 September 2024.
Each year Surf Coast Shire Council conducts a dust suppression program on rural roads. This program assists rural residents to reduce the amount of dust generated by passing traffic.
Residents can apply for their road to be considered for dust suppression. Council officers conduct assessments on each application, taking into consideration factors like traffic volume, types of vehicles using the road, speed limits, proximity to homes and the number of nearby homes.
Nominations will close earlier this year due to the caretaker period for Council election.
Dust suppression works won't be carried out until December and will last around three months, making sure the effectiveness of the dust suppression is at the time when it is needed most during the summer months.
"This program helps our rural towns contain the nuisance that is dust during the summer months", said Cr Libby Stapleton.
"I encourage all residents that live on a gravel road and experience issues to apply for this program", she said.
The timeline for dust suppression program is:
- Applications are now open to nominate your road for dust suppression.
- Applications close on Friday 13 September 2024.
- During October and November, Council officers will conduct assessment of roads nominated during the request period.
- All residents who applied will be advised if their request was successful or not.
- From December dust suppression works will be conducted on unsealed roads.
In addition to these works funded by Council, there are several roads that are treated through a private works agreement.
The product used for dust suppression is Dust Mag. The main component is magnesium chloride, which is used globally, and government approved. Dust Mag is applied directly to the road surface through a water cart and is absorbed within the top clay surface of the road.
