Council wrote to Hotham St residents asking if they were willing to participate in a “special charge scheme” where residents and council contribute to the upgrade of the road.
“Residents were not supportive (of the special charge scheme) and Hotham St will continue to be maintained as a gravel road,” Campaspe Shire acting infrastructure services general manager Richard Conway said.
“With a road network of more than 4000 kilometres, council spends more than $10 million each year on the network. While this is a large percentage of council’s budget, it does not allow for upgrades.”
But Hotham St resident David Batty said there was plenty of support for a sealed road but residents should not have to pay for it.
“The residents of Hotham St do wish for the road to be sealed, however they do not wish to contribute to a council asset,” he said.
“I find it appalling that the shire does not hold itself accountable for improvements in the community.
“Why should I pay the same rates as the owner of a home with a sealed road?”
Mr Batty said council have a duty of care to provide safe and adequate road surfaces, footpaths and lighting to residents who pay rates.
“I have a house in Adelaide and the rates are twice as high here for a property that’s worth less.
“We’re not getting value for money from our rates.”
While they will not seal the road, Mr Conway said council had requested Powercor upgrade the lighting in Hotham St.
“This will include upgrading one lighting head and installing an additional light pole. This will mean the lighting in Hotham St will be in line with council’s standards for residential areas.”
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