Property owners in an Ocean Grove street will pay just more than one percent more than expected for the sealing of their road now that the work is complete.
City of Greater Geelong has delivered road construction work at Asbury Street West with a total actual cost of $120,471.85, a 1.1 per cent increase from the estimate of $119,114 declared in March last year.
Property owners will contribute 75 per cent, or $90,353.89, of the cost, while the City will pay for the remaining 25 percent, $30,117.96.
The works were planned and undertaken on the section of road between Newcomb and Mann streets after surveys of the property owners and feedback from the community.
Construction began in February this year and was completed in April.
The final costs to the property owners ranges from $8051.02 to $20,576.84, based on access, amenity and frontage.
The council approved the increased charges at its meeting on Tuesday night, where Councillor Elise Wilkinson explained councils may increase such charges by up to 10 per cent without having to formally vary the scheme.
“This scheme itself came in at 1.1 per cent above the (estimated) construction cost, and this was due to the increase in cost of construction materials over the year that it was being built,” she said.
“The works… have now been completed in April and the road has been upgraded.
“From all reports, not only the property owners, but surrounding visitors and residents are also benefiting from what is now a sealed road with kerb and channel.
“It’s much safer, it’s reduced dust and mud and improved drainage.”
Cr Wilkinson said seeking support from residents was a key factor in the City being able to maintain and seal roads.
“I’d like to acknowledge the residents in terms of collaboration and working together in terms of getting this done,” she said.
“Even though it is an extra 1.1 per cent above the estimated cost – so for some that ranges from an extra $90 up to an extra $231 – the council does have hardship strategies.
“The Hardship team is very open and wanting to discuss if someone is genuinely finding that this special charge is above and beyond them at this time, so please reach out.”
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/contact or call 5272 5272 to discuss financial hardship with the City’s team.
