By Tyler Wright
Yarra Ranges Councillors voted to approve final costings for two special charges schemes for roads in the Hills at the latest council meeting on Tuesday 28 March.
Final costs for construction on Martin Street in Belgrave were approved in the meeting, amounting to a $190,000 payment for residents.
The project will cost $711,406 in total; $197,626 more than the estimated $513,780.
Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton said there will be no adjustment to what the landowners and residents on the street contribute.
“It is disappointing to see cost over runs, but as previously stated, it is certainly something that we’re growing to see in many projects in road and construction,” Cr Skelton said.
“This one here, the cost overrun related to the area going along that council land, so thankfully the residents were not impacted by that increased cost related to some better drainage and some demands that we needed to meet from Melbourne Water.”
A road improvement scheme was initially declared in 2018 for the street from Merrigum Lane to number 26 Martin Street.
The street runs alongside Belgrave Recreation Reserve.
“It’s reasonably standard and its probably good the residents can have this done and dusted,” Cr Skelton said.
Chirnside Ward Councillor Richard Higgins said it was a “good outcome” for local residents.
“Hopefully they won’t see the dust from now on,” he said.
“That’s fantastic.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
The final cost of works associated with the special charge scheme for Jellicoe Avenue in Monbulk was also approved at the meeting, with no variation in landowner apportionment costs.
Councillors also voted that landowners included in the special charge scheme be advised of the result of the final costing of the $700,000 project.
Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham moved the recommendation.
“There was a saving of 77,000…that’s in comparison with the initial estimates, which is a great outcome especially if you consider the various price increases that we’ve seen across all sectors since 2017,” Cr Eastham said.
“In regards to where that money, that 77,000, goes; that will allow council to invest that money back into other key roads projects that we’re delivering as well.”
Cr Hennan seconded the recommendation.
The total cost of works for Jellicoe Avenue are $1,240,252; $66,641 short of the $1,306,893 estimate.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The special charges scheme for the improvement of Jellicoe Avenue was initially declared in 2017.
