General News
17 December, 2024
Road funding sought
Repairs to Dimboola-Minyip, Lorquon-Netherby and Lorquon roads will be co-funded by federal-government grants if two forthcoming applications by Hindmarsh Shire Council are approved.
Councillors resolved at their November meeting last week to apply to the Commonwealth’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
Director of infrastructure Ram Upadhyaya and manager of works and operations Daniel Griffiths put forward a recommendation that council seek investment totalling more than $1.15 million from the program and set aside almost $288,000 from its 2025-26 budget as the required co-contributions.
In a written report, Mr Upadhyaya (who was unable to be present in person on Wednesday) told council that above-average rainfall in 2022 has significantly damaged the three roads, resulting in pot-holing, polishing, pavement deformation in outer wheel paths, areas of minimal crossfall, seal degradation, large drop-offs from the edge of the bitumen and pavement failure.
“Council was unsuccessful in a previous application through another round of funding to fully repair and upgrade these roads, forcing council to direct own source funding in the 2024-25 budget to repair smaller sections to make those roads safer,” he said.
“So far, approximately 1km of each site has been budgeted for and is scheduled for the 2024-25 financial year.”
Mr Upadhyaya said site inspections showed at least 1.65km on Dimboola-Minyip Road and 2.8km of Lorquon-Netherby and Lorquon roads remained in poor condition and would require full reconstruction and upgrading.
“All three roads are identified as critical agricultural routes in Hindmarsh, with Dimboola-Minyip Road also heavily utilised by traffic heading to and from the east of Victoria,” he said.
“The Australian Government has implemented the SLRIP that is currently open for applications, accepting project proposals of up to $5,000,000, with a maximum 80 per cent federal government contribution.
“The project delivery timeframe is within 36 months of the funding offer being sent.”
Council has calculated that the combined works will cost $1.439 million.
The co-contributions from Hindmarsh Shire will total $287,844, comprising $105,998 for Dimboola-Minyip Road and $181,846 for Lorquon-Netherby and Lorquon roads.