Council meeting pieces - Council meeting 16 February 2016
Additional funding for Goulburn Road / Bowen Street, intersection works, Echuca
An additional $75,000 has been approved by Council towards the Goulburn Road and Bowen Street intersection pavement rehabilitation project to allow for an upgrade of the local sub-surface drainage. Following a detailed assessment of existing services, it was revealed that the shallowness of the existing sub-surface drains would increase the likely future failure of the road due to water entry.
The $75,000 will be added to the original project budget amount of $451,000, allowing for removal of the sub-surface pipes and replacing them with a new box culvert. Some additional drainage works will also be carried out to ensure that any water can disperse from the roads as efficiently as possible. This will provide a better outcome for the community and ensure that these assets can achieve their intended purpose and lifespan.
Additional funds for two Echuca kerb and channel projects
An additional $190,000 has been approved by Council towards two kerb and channel projects to allow for additional drainage works identified at the preliminary design stage of the projects.
Hume Street (McKinlay to Darling Street) project
An allocation of $200,500 was made in the 2015-16 Budget for the renewal of kerb and channel along Hume Street, Echuca between Darling and McKinlay Streets. This figure included design and project management costs. At the preliminary design stage it was identified that there was little or no longitudinal slope along the existing kerb and channels. An additional $95,000 will now be allocated to allow for the installation of new drainage pits and underground drainage, as well as works to deepen a section of the Coliban Water supply main.
Tyler Street / Murray Street project
An allocation of $352,000 was made in the 2015-16 Budget based on preliminary estimates for kerb and channel renewal works along Murray Street, River Street, Haverfield Street and Tyler Street. For ease of design and construction, this project was split into two projects:
Tyler Street (south side of Tyler Street between High Street and Francis Street, and the north side between High Street and Landsborough Street) - this project has been completed.
River, Tyler and Murray Streets, kerb and channel renewal (River Street both sides between Collier and Tyler Streets, Tyler Street north side between Murray and Haverfield Streets, and Murray Street west side between Collier and Tyler Streets) is currently in detailed design phase. The preliminary design phase of this project had already identified a number of issues not previously anticipated, including the need for additional works to achieve better drainage outcomes. An additional $95,000 will allow for the additional drainage works, plus greater length of kerb and channel, and additional driveway/crossovers.
Latham Road Special Charge Scheme
Council has adopted the Latham Road Special Charge Scheme allowing for construction of approximately 2.08km of Latham Road, Echuca between Braund Road and a point 2.08km east including pavement, seal, shoulders, drainage and associated ancillary works.
The Local Government Act 1989 provides for Victorian councils to introduce a special charge scheme whereby landowners can be asked to contribute towards infrastructure improvement projects, such as roads, footpaths and drains, where the works proposed are to the special benefit of a defined group of properties.
The special benefit accruing to those properties to be levied with respect to Latham Road, a gravel-surfaced road, includes:
- improved vehicular access to and from the properties abutting on or accessing the road via the works
- improve safety and amenity for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians
- reduced wear and tear on vehicles
- elimination of dust on the road
- reduced need for future grading and associated maintenance of the road
- reduced erosion and sediment transfer
- enhanced amenity and character of the adjoining land.
The estimated cost of the works is $750,056 and the total estimated amount to be levied under the scheme as the special charge is $650,299.
Additional Funds for Bridges
An additional $100,000 has been approved by Council towards additional renewal works required for some of the shire’s bridges.
Council conducts a level 1 standard inspection of all of the shire’s bridges every six months, with identified renewal works included within each year’s budget.
Works were approved for renewal of the following bridges as part of the capital works program budget process in 2014 and 2015.
Gobarup, Raglus Bridge, Davey Road, $76,500
Timber decking renewal and visibility Improvements
Runnymede, Grogan Bridge, Grogan Road, $74,000
Timber decking renewal and visibility improvements
Toolleen, Mulvehills Bridge, Dobie Road, $90,000
Abutment & delineation works
Through the design process it was identified that Gaynor Swamp Bridge, a shallow bridge, could be replaced by box culverts. These culverts would be more efficient and will provide a better long-term solution for the community.
Following a more detailed level 2 inspection of the shire’s bridges being conducted, other needed works were identified. Considering identified works from both the level 1 and level 2 inspections, Council has determined that additional works outside the scope of the original approved budgets, are necessary and must be funded. These include works to bridge abutments, cross beams, kerb/railings and corbels.