General News
16 May, 2024
Pedestrian upgrade completed under budget
A NEW footpath on McKinnon Street has come in under budget, providing safer travel for students travelling through to Terang College.
At the recent Ordinary Meeting of Council, Corangamite Shire councillors voted to adjust the cost of the Special Charge Scheme to reflect the savings to benefitting property owners’ contributions.
The new footpath, installed on the western side of McKinnon Street from Prince Street through to Estcourt Street, was estimated to cost $41,646 but was delivered at a cost of $38,016.
Property owners benefitting from the addition are required under the Local Government Act 1989 to contribute 25 per cent of the costs associated with the works, which has fallen from $10,414 to $9504 given the savings.
Cr Geraldine Conheady praised Corangamite Shire manager assets planning John Kelly, saying he was “starting to show us that he’s very skilled at bringing these footpath projects in under budget”.
“Congratulations to him, we’re very proud of him for doing that because it’s always lovely to make savings and be able to give something back to our residents, and bring that benefit to them,” she said.
“We do actually do quite a lot of footpaths under the Special Charge Scheme and I would like to thank our ratepayers for participating because it’s enabled us to bring a lot of really valuable footpath projects to all our communities.”
Cr Conheady said the footpath would make all the difference in connecting residents to the sports precinct around the Terang Recreation Reserve, in addition to providing safer passage for Terang College students.
“Everyone knows a footpath is such a great asset in all our communities, just to provide easier access around our towns,” she said.
“This footpath in McKinnon Street certainly made a big difference for access to Terang College, the football club and the fitness centre.
“It’s quite close to the main street too, so it’s bringing enormous benefit and I know our residents of Terang are certainly very happy to have it.”
Councillors unanimously voted to approve the adjustment to the Special Charge Scheme.
Notices will be sent to property owners benefitting from the works.