By Callum Ludwig
Six Wandin North streets are set to face special charges for the sealing of their roads under Yarra Ranges Council’s federally-funded Roads for Community initiative.
Park Street, Nicholas Road, Mary Road, Elsie Street, Imperial Avenue and Royal Avenue were all discussed with the intent to levy special charges at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on Tuesday 23 August.
Chandler Ward (covering most of Wandin North) Councillor David Eastham forwarded the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Richard Higgins.
Cr Higgins said it was a significant outcome.
“84 per cent [81] of landowners responded with 87 per cent [70] of those supportive of the special charge scheme,” he said.
“There are a few trees that are going to be removed which are a mixture of natives and exotics, but it’s important to note that trees will be removed under our Code of Environment Practice and will result in funding being provided for the replanting of native vegetation as part of Council’s offset program.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
The works are described as follows: approximately 1358m of asphalt pavement 5 metres trafficable width with concrete rollover kerb, a channel on both sides of the road and associated underground drainage as required; two localised narrowing’s (3.5m wide slow point) along Park Street; one localised narrowing (3.5m wide slow point) along Imperial Ave; Royal Ave (south of Imperial Ave) 3.5m wide asphalt pavement; and reinstatement of vehicle crossovers.
There are a total of nine trees that will have to be removed: two medium-sized native trees, three medium-sized dead trees, two exotic trees, one small native tree and one large dead tree.
The total estimated cost to be recovered from the landowners excluding financing costs is $605,500.
