By Shelby Brooks
Some of the last roads to be asphalted as part of the Sealing the Hills project within Cardinia Shire, four dirt roads in Cockatoo will be some of the last to be sealed.
Federal funding for the Sealing the Hills project was unexpectedly reduced from $150 million to $41 million in last year’s budget.
Station Road, Glen Road, Garden Street and Baker Street in Cockatoo will be sealed under the confirmed $41 million.
Cardinia Shire Council awarded a $3m contract to R&C Asphalt to complete the works. The scope of the works includes pavement widening and reconstruction, concrete works (kerb and channel), drainage works and asphalt wearing surfacing.
Ranges Ward councillor Jeff Springfield said the four roads had terrible underlying infrastructure so needed to be upgraded.
“This is another really important section of roads in Cockatoo,” he said.
“This is going to be really welcomed by the community.”
But Cr Springfield was quick to raise his concerns at the funding cut which will leave many other roads unsealed despite years of planning.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I speak to this today because it is likely to be one of the last tenders at this point in time because, as many residents are aware, the Federal funding for this program has been dropped,” he said.
“The council and community is heavily advocating for the continuation of this program and we hope the government in Canberra listens to our concerns and understands the vital importance of this program and continue to fund it in the future.”
