By Callum Ludwig
The number of roads set to be sealed through the slashed Roads for Community funding continues to dwindle, but three Warburton streets were approved for improvement at the Tuesday 9 April Yarra Ranges Council meeting.
Alpine Street, Cecil Street and Glenbrook Road in Warburton were one of the seven groups of roads where road sealing will still be carried out and construction is now set to proceed.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said the report is thorough and to get this outcome on these three roads for that amount of money, just over a million dollars, is an amazing investment.
“It’s a much-needed project in Warburton and I reflect back to the last Council meeting when we had the Warburton Urban Design Framework in front of us, and we looked at drainage issues and the like and when you look at what this project will achieve on those particular roads, Alpine Street, Cecil Street and Glenbrook Road, it will be just amazing,” he said.
“Having them sealed and the drainage issues addressed is ultimately a magnificent outcome, not only for the residents but also for the environment.”
The three roads set for sealing adjoin Station Road, which runs alongside the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and accesses the Warburton Highway at the shopping strip or at the entrance to the township via Scotchmans Creek Road.
Cr Child also took the opportunity to lament the Federal Government’s decision to cut the Roads for Community funding down from $150 million to S47.7 million.
“The only thing I can say now is to have that decision turned on its heel on a political outcome I believe is just disgraceful,” he said.
“To put it into my father’s words, may he rest in peace, ‘To give a thing and take a thing is a devil’s play thing’.”
The cost of the project is estimated to come out to $1,007,090.70.
Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton seconded the motion and said both Labor and Liberal committed to the Roads for Community project at that time as electoral promises.
“It doubly stung when that was withdrawn but nevertheless, what a wonderful legacy of projects that we have been able to deliver and for this cluster of roads in Warburton and as you say for all roads that lead to the river, it’s doubly important that we get those roads right for the environment as well as the residents,” she said.
“It’s also good to see that no trees needed to be removed so double thumbs up for this one and I look forward to the next six coming through.”
