Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Pioneer Bay’s roads and drainage set to be upgraded

Special Charge Scheme to upgrade roads and drainage, pavement and sealing works, underground surface and storm water drainage, kerb and channeling, nature strip works, speed humps and pedestrian pathways on selected streets.

By Portal Admin - 4th March 2018 - Back to News

Pioneer Bay residents are set to have improved quality of life in their estate after Bass Coast Shire Council voted to proceed with a Special Charge Scheme to upgrade $4.6 million worth of roads and drainage at their Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 21 February.

The Scheme will include construction and full upgrade of roads and drainage including pavement and sealing works, underground surface and storm water drainage, kerb and channeling, nature strip works, speed humps and pedestrian pathways on selected streets.

Additionally, a Melbourne Water upgrade project will integrate with this project at the same time. This will include the upgrade of the main waterway and installation of new storm water infrastructure that will provide the community with a new wetland area.

The Melbourne Water upgrade project has an anticipated value of $2.5million. Council’s total contribution to the Pioneer Bay Estate’s projects will be $1.1million.

Council currently maintains over 120km of unsealed roads in urban areas. Council’s Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Program prioritises urban areas for inclusion in future road and drainage upgrade programs.

Pioneer Bay is rated as the highest priority estate for a road and drainage upgrade and this was confirmed through community engagement sessions which commenced in 2015. The residents and ratepayers identified significant infrastructure issues and assisted in developing concept plans for the upgrade.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari expressed his excitement for the Pioneer Bay community. He acknowledged the legacy of unmade roads in Bass Coast and the significant financial contribution required from property owners.

"I’m over the moon for the residents of Pioneer Bay that we can get this project going as they will see such improvement to the quality of life in their estate.

"I remember when I was a kid living in Broome Crescent in Wonthaggi and it was a dustbowl! Council went ahead with a Special Charge Scheme and my parents went on a payment plan to pay off their contribution. The cost is significant but the improvement to our living conditions was just phenomenal.

"Being able to hang out your washing without the risk that it getting covered in dust, kids being able to safely ride their bikes down footpaths and learn to roller-skate.

"In Bass Coast we have a large number of estates with unmade roads and no drainage that were subdivided before standards for subdivisions were introduced. There is significant cost involved with the Scheme but Council works with residents to try and work out affordable payment plans that suits their needs."

Construction on this project is expected to start in late 2018.

Council is also advising residents of this decision and of the resident’s rights of review for Special Charge Schemes. Appeals can then be made within 30 days to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for review of Council’s decision to proceed with the Scheme.

For more information, please contact Council’s Asset Management Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
  A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.
• Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
  Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
  East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.
• Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
  Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations.