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Sunderland Bay and Surf Beach local road upgrade project with special charge scheme is underway

Development of concept design options for the proposed Sunderland Bay and Surf Beach special charge scheme is underway, with residents soon able to visualise what the potential road and drainage upgrades would look like.

By news@gippsland - 7th October 2022 - Back to News

The concept designs are an important part of the decision-making process for residents, as they will show a range of options aimed at improving the quality and safety of local roads, reducing dust and upgrading poor drainage. The community reference group will help develop and provide feedback on the concept design options prior to these being circulated to the property owners to indicate preferences.

Sunderland Bay and Surf Beach upgrades can include sealed roads, improved drainage systems, footpaths, landscaping, lighting and safety treatments like speed bumps

Assessing any potential impacts

As part of the planning process, council will also undertake a series of environmental studies in the area to assess any potential impacts on plants and wildlife.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said the Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay estates were identified on council's road and drainage improvement list as a high priority, as the current infrastructure doesn't meet the needs of the growing community."

"We are currently in the planning phase, and no decision will be made about whether this project will go ahead, without the support of the community. What we're doing now is exploring options and then presenting them to residents so they can see what these potential upgrades will look like." Cr Whelan said.

Upgrading roads and drainage

Previous Special Charge Scheme projects have cost in a range of $1.5-$2.0M per km of road length constructed. The Sunderland Bay and Surf Beach estates consist of approximately 15.2km of road network, placing the project at a broad range of $22.8-$30.4M.

While council is responsible for maintaining local roads, rates do not cover the majority of costs in significant redevelopments like this one. Given the level of investment required, special charge schemes are used so the residents who will benefit from the upgrades share in the cost.

This model has successfully been used to upgrade the roads and drainage in other areas of Bass Coast Shire including Pioneer Bay, Cape Woolamai West, Pine Avenue and Churchill Drive in Cowes and South Dudley.

Upgrade inclusions

Upgrades can include:

• Sealed roads
• Improved drainage systems
• Footpaths
• Landscaping
• Lighting and safety treatments like speed bumps

"We welcome the debate and discussion around this project, because we want to get this right for our residents. While we are seeking feedback and consulting now, property owners will also have the opportunity to formally provide submissions of the project if it is declared in the future." Cr Whelan said.

Western Port Ward Councillors, Cr Bruce Kent, Cr Rochelle Halstead and Cr Clare Le Serve, said they were available to residents to provide extra support and answer questions as the project progresses.

Discussing concerns

Cr Halstead said, "We know residents have a lot of questions about this proposed project, and we are happy to meet with people to discuss their questions, and any concerns they may have, directly."

"We are still in the very early planning phase of this project, and will be in a position to provide more information about the benefits, costs and what is involved, once the concept plans are developed."

"This road and infrastructure project will not go ahead if the majority of property owners are not in favour of it. The material we are preparing now will help residents make an informed decision about what improvements they want in their local area." Cr Halstead said.

Commitment to legacy

Cr Le Serve said, "We are at the start of a long planning and investigative process. Often the start of the process can be very challenging for residents, but we do know these types of projects have really good outcomes, as evidenced by Pioneer Bay and Coronet Bay."

"I have a commitment to legacy issues such as better roads, drainage and footpaths as these are so important to families. We have already received a lot of positive feedback, with residents wanting to see a reduction in dust and safety improvements where they live." Cr Le Serve said.

Early planning stages

Cr Kent said, "We continue to hear from community members how important these types of upgrades are in regard to dust control, their health and the safety of their children through the addition of footpaths. We are in the early planning stages, and it is up to the community to decide in which direction they wish to go."

Once the current planning phase is complete, council will be able to advise residents of the proposed costs involved if the project was to go ahead. A decision on whether the project will proceed will not take place until around August-July next year.

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  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.
• Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
  Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
• Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
  Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth.
• Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
  Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works.
• East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
  East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
  Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
  East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement.
• Baw Baw Shire Council information session on Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review on 12 December 2025
  Baw Baw residents are invited to an information session on 12 December to learn about the Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review and future infrastructure planning.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to send EOIs and apply for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants supporting local community volunteers
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.