THE backlash over moves by the Bass Coast Shire Council to rip up dust suppressant seals on seven residential streets around the shire has had the desired result – for now.
The shire issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, April 24, ahead of the ANZAC Day long weekend, saying it will “give careful consideration of community concerns” and hold off while it investigates further.
The announcement comes ahead of a decision by council at the April 16 meeting to receive the petition from Reid Street and to take no action until a report is presented to council no later than the May 2025 meeting.
Here’s what the council had to say on Thursday:
“Following feedback from residents and property owners, Bass Coast Shire Council will pause upcoming works to remove deteriorated dust suppressant seals on the following roads:
* Outlook Drive, Cowes
* Scenic Drive, Cowes
* Bayview Drive, Cowes
* Park Lane, Cowes
* Maxwell Street, Cowes
* Queen Street, Wonthaggi
* Reid Street, Rhyll
“Between 2005 and 2007, dust suppressant products were trialled on some unsealed roads to help manage dust. The primer seal treatment has now deteriorated beyond repair and was scheduled for removal, with roads to be returned to a compacted gravel surface.
“Council will now take time to consider recent petitions received and continue to work with property owners. This pause will allow for careful consideration of community concerns, investigation of treatments, financial analysis and will ensure that our approach continues to meet local needs and road maintenance standards.
“Property owners interested in options under the Urban Roads and Drainage Policy will continue to be supported through this process.
“We appreciate the community’s input and thank residents for their ongoing patience. Affected residents will receive direct correspondence from Council. Further updates will be provided as the review progresses.”
Cr Tim O’Brien was particularly forthright at the recent council meeting in his view that council should have a moratorium on the removal of these dust suppressant seals saying policy made no sense to the residents or the councillors either.
“Look, I think this is of such contention that I do believe we need to have a moratorium on this activity. It's very, very difficult to explain to someone that the bitumen is being taken up outside of their property in the name of progress and dust suppression. It makes no sense to a resident, and certainly makes little sense to us when speaking with these people,” said Cr O’Brien.
“So, yeah, certainly I’m in support of this petition and with a broader view that right around the shire there's not only Reed street, there's a whole lot of streets affected, Scenic Drive and well, very many others that taking up bitumen seems to be a retrograde step.
“We perhaps need to have a rethink about this strategy, notwithstanding, we know it costs a little more. I’ve heard the answer that it costs six times more. I'd be very interested have a look at the ledger on each side on this before we make a decision.”
Rachael Ferguson of Scenic Drive in Cowes said she had spoken to a few local residents since the council announcement all of whom were very pleased with the council response.
“We felt we’ve been very respectful with the way we’ve gone about this and that we’re not simply against change for change’s sake,” said Ms Ferguson this week.
“We’re very pleased that the council has listened to the residents’ concerns and that they are going to take the next 12 months to consider the options.
“Let’s get some better solutions on the table and let’s do it together,” she said.
Ms Ferguson said they had Cr Tim O’Brien coming down to meet them over the long weekend to continue the discussion.