AS A permanent resident in Outlook Drive Cowes, I received a disturbing letter from Bass Coast Council regarding proposed changes to the road surface.

Our sealed road will be ripped up, and replaced with crushed rock, a significant downgrade of council services. This will impact locals aesthetically, financially and their personal safety. 

The existing road is relatively stable requiring minimal maintenance from time to time. To rip up this surface up and lay crushed rock will reduce the value and saleability of my property. A crushed rock surface will disappear into mud during winter and become a muddy mess. In summer the road will be a dust bowl and dust clouds will coat our properties. 

It is unreasonable that council reduce our services while constantly increasing our rates. 

I am, as are others disappointed with the proposal. We all use these roads for dog walking and our own personal exercise routine. Most of the locals are of advanced age, I am 76, and for council to expect us to traverse unmade roads that cause a problem for walking, to say nothing of the dust and muck we will inhale as cars pass by.  I also make comment that the risk of falls and substantial injury is significantly increased as a result of walking on an unstable surface. Walking on a sealed road provides a level of security and peace of mind. We don’t have many footpaths.

Having lived in Outlook Drive for 25 years I have seen what unsealed roads are like. I had hoped the roads would be sealed because of the winter muck and summer dust. I wondered then what inhaling this dust was doing to my lungs. When a firm surface for dust reduction was finally completed it was a pleasure to walk these roads and not having to hose down my house regularly. Actually, a sealed road is a water saver.

I respectfully ask council to revise their decision. 

If this were to go ahead I would expect a substantial reduction in rates to help cover the drop in my property value.

Martin Saunders, Cowes