Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted a new policy to guide the way historic Dust Suppression Seals are managed into the future.
Between 2005 and 2007, Council tested dust suppression seals on unsealed roads across Bass Coast to help manage dust. While these treatments helped for a short time, the Council says they have since worn out to a point where these roads can no longer be repaired to meet acceptable service standards or community expectations.
Under the new policy, property owners on streets with a remaining dust suppression seal will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a permanently sealed road. This upgrade involves a one-off payment of $4,000 per property.
Community engagement on the policy took place during March and April. More than 200 responses were received, with 88% of respondents being property owners on an existing dust suppression seal.
The Council says all property owners will be contacted directly to inform them of the outcome of the community consultation and the adoption of the Policy. For streets scheduled for the removal of the existing seal in 2027, further consultation will be sent shortly to enquire about their interest in participating in an upgrade. All other streets will be engaged with over the following two years in line with the schedule of removal.
For information on the community consultation Draft Dust Suppression Seal Removal Policy | Engage Bass Coast.
