Cost leaves hole in roads

A BLOW-OUT on the cost of newly sealed streets in Cockatoo has left an $85,000 hole in Cardinia Shire Council’s finances.
Construction of roads and drainage in Devon Avenue, Belgrave Avenue and Cockatoo Avenue were originally forecast to cost $505,716 but the end result was $591,450.
The blow-out was revealed last week to the dismay of councillors at what was the final meeting of their current three-year term. The council agreed to foot the bill, but was concerned that such a shortfall could have happened.
Cr Helen Ward said a blow-out of any order, let alone $85,000, was unacceptable.
“Council is picking up the tab but that (money) has to come from somewhere else,” she said. “It’s unacceptable, but what is equally unacceptable is that the community should be asked to put up its hand or write a cheque.”
The extra costs were said to be the result of unexpected poor sub-grade road-making materials that required special treatment, as well as additional sections of asphalt at roundabouts, slow points and intersections.
Cardinia general manager of assets and development services Michael Ellis said the council also had to conduct additional design work. The works in Cockatoo were carried out as part of a special charge scheme involving council and residents living in the three streets.
On a brighter note, the council was told at its meeting that a similar project in Emerald was completed considerably under budget.
A road and drainage construction scheme in Majestic Drive, Boundary Road and Bellbird Crescent cost $570,504 compared with an original estimate of $655,711.