When we, hard working residents of the Yarra Ranges, pay our rates to the council, we sometimes might think: ‘Where exactly does my money go?’
The majority of the works the council completes are minor works, so it’s easy to overlook them, whereas the bigger, more expensive projects get a lot of attention.
In September, a number of minor works were completed by the Yarra Ranges Council – here’s a quick rundown.
All over the Yarra Ranges, sporting ovals were maintained in preparation for the start of the cricket season.
In Wandin North, some major asphalt patching on Beenak Road took place to get rid of some pesky potholes, and a new public toilet block was constructed at PJ Mould Reserve.
Heading eastwards to Woori Yallock, repairs were made to the gates at the Warburton Rail Trail’s Helaesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and Chandler Road entrances after being vandalised in May.
The Star Mail reported on the ripped out gateposts in May, after being notified by an Upper Yarra resident.
A council spokesperson said in May the damages would cost the council “several thousand dollars” worth in repairs.
“We’re extremely disappointed that several fences have been damaged along the Warburton Trail recently. Repairs are underway on the fences, and are expected to cost several thousand dollars.”
Further down the Warburton Highway in Launching Place some unsealed road culvert and embankment erosion repairs took place at 80 Parkinson Road.
Then in Yarra Junction, the Yarra Centre’s basketball courts had some drainage issues fixed and new floorboards installed.
A sediment pit was installed at 2400 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction, meanwhile accessibility improvements were made to the footpaths adjacent to the restaurant Slade Staples.
A few of Warburton’s iconic bridges also received updates, some of which were maintenance works while others were aesthetic refreshers.
The Swing Bridge and Mayer Bridge had a fresh coat of paint applied, while the Brisbane Bridge had asphalt repairs done on its footpath and the Scotchmans Creek Bridge had its handrails replaced.
Embankment stabilization works took place at Andersons Avenue and 2 Devon Street.
In Yarra Glen, 400 “advanced” trees were planted along the streets from July to September.
Cruz Court had maintenance works take place to improve its water sensitive urban design (WSUD), which aims to reduce the impact of manmade design on natural water processes.
In Coldstream, the Coldstream shops (south gateway side) had damaged vehicle crossing fixed
Coldstream and Healesville (plus Lilydale) had 500 customer requests and park related plantings take place.
Fairview Road in Chum Creek had cross culvert upgrades take place, ensuring water can flow unhindered below street level – crucial for reducing the impacts of flooding.
All over Healesville’s township, roses were pruned, while fertilisation and mulching works were also done to maintain the town’s beautiful garden beds.
Finally, major asphalt patching took place on Old Fernshaw Road and Camerons Road.
