Ratepayers will help pay for Yarra Ranges road upgrades

When both major political parties promised $150 million to upgrade dirt roads in the Yarra Ranges before the federal election, fed-up drivers rejoiced. But the fine print of the deal reveals homeowners will have to contribute to the cost of the project.

Yarra Ranges ratepayers will have to help pay for road upgrades.

Homeowners will have to contribute towards the cost of upgrading dirt roads across the Yarra Ranges, despite $150 million funding from the Federal Government.

Casey federal Liberal MP Tony Smith promised the cash to seal unmade roads in the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley in the lead up to the election.

Mr Smith said over a decade, Yarra Ranges Council would use the money to help seal 250kms of dirt roads.

But Montrose man Mike, who did not want his surname used, contacted Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader, when he realised residents would have to contribute to funding the road upgrades through a special charge scheme.

He said when he received an election pamphlet in the mail that specifically promised to seal dirt roads in Montrose, it did not mention residents would have to pay.

“The (council) is also not very clear on how much it will cost residents. No concrete examples,” he said.

“We already pay some of the highest rates in Melbourne.”

Yarra Ranges Council environment and engineering director Mark Varmalis said because of the Federal Government funding, owners would be provided with a lower special charge scheme rate than has been required from owners in the past.

Mr Varmalis said the rate would be determined by council and would likely be consistent for owners in all of the roads that are improved under this program.

MORE: FEDERAL ELECTION 2019: TONY SMITH WINS CASEY

MOOROOLBARK CHILD CARE CENTRE WORKER FIRED

ZONE BOWLING KNOX AT KNOX OZONE IS CLOSING

He said in the past 25 years council had partnered with landowners to seal more than 200kms of unmade roads as special charge schemes, with owner contributions of up to $15,000.

“Using the Federal Government’s money in a co-payment system with landowners means that we will be able to seal significantly more unsealed roads across Yarra Ranges — up to 250km of roads,” Mr Varmalis said.

“Without this co-payment it is likely that over 50kms of roads would miss out on this opportunity.

“We estimate that about 10,000 Yarra Ranges families will benefit from the road sealing works when they’re completed.”

Landowners would have the option to finance contributions over a 10 to 15 year period, or pay upfront to receive a discount.

Mr Smith said it was up to the council to determine how the money was spent and on which roads.