Drive for road upgrade

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges is forging ahead with a Special Charge Scheme (SCS) to seal a road in Wandin North.
This follows a petition from landowners of Rodger Road, Wandin North, which requested the use of a SCS for the upgrade of the road.
The SCS is a payment program that combines landowners and council contributions towards the upgrade or sealing of unmade roads.
Landowners were surveyed in November 2002 when 78 per cent of them said they supported the SCS.
An initial assessment estimated that it would cost ost $570,000 to seal the road of which the council will contribute 20 per cent.
He said the council contribution to this project would be $205,00 and the cost to land holders would be $365,000.
The average cost to individual landowners will be $12,500.
Landowners can either make a lump sum payment or use a 10year payment plan which will attract a 6.12 per cent per annum interest charge.