Residents of Cobram’s Catona Cres have voiced concerns about their street, but Moira Shire Council says it’s always working to address necessary repairs and upgrades.
Long-time residents Filomeno and Rosa Grillo have asked council to install guttering, kerbing and lighting and to carry out what they say are much-needed repairs on the road itself.
“(The) asphalt on the road is not adequate,” Mr Grillo said.
“You go anywhere in Numurkah, Nathalia, Cobram and Yarrawonga — asphalt from side to side. Here it's like (a) country road and we get stung (with the) highest rates in the shire.”
Mr Grillo is hoping the new mayor will listen to concerns and said he put a petition to council prior to the pandemic, which came to nothing.
Mr Grillo said when he tried to bring up the issue, council told him residents would have to pay 75 per cent of any costs associated with repairs.
A council spokesperson told the Courier this model of cost allocation was under review.
Mrs Grillo said in around August council workers started digging trenches to attempt to drain the area of water, but that work had since stopped.
She said the result was that Catona Cres was prone to flooding.
“The very first house (on Catona Cres) is always under water when it rains, always,” Mrs Grillo said.
“Not in the house but just on the outside of the garden.”
Mrs Grillo said the lack of drainage meant she could not keep the nature strip tidy.
“We've been here 14 years and I have not seen any works done. Not on the road, not on the nature strip,” she said.
Michael Barrett is another Catona Cres resident who said the area had been neglected for too long.
“It is absolutely disgraceful the way that this road is produced to the public,” he said.
Mr Barrett said if something was not done to fix the road, the consequences could be devastating.
“It has become a hazard where someone is going to get hurt. Two cars are going to collide,” he said.
Mr Barrett wants council to undertake major road upgrades.
“Ideally, the road does have to be widened enough for two vehicles to be able to pass safely without the chance of having an impact ... and possibly a walking track to make it safe for pedestrians,” he said.
Director of infrastructure services Joshua Lewis refuted the claim council had failed to do significant work on Catona Cres.
“Catona Cres has had routine inspections and maintenance over the last 14 years, as well as regular repairs and upgrades, including drainage works,” Mr Lewis said.
"We agree road conditions could be improved; however, there is always an onus on drivers to respond to the conditions and drive safely.
"Council continues to improve its standards and is managing legacy challenges.
"It is not logistically practicable to implement all planned works concurrently, nor is it possible with current funding.
“All works are subject to a prioritising process under direction of the council.
“In instances like Catona Cres, where residents express urgent concerns, we have to look at alternative options such as special charge schemes.”
Mr Lewis said council received the petition sent by Mr Grillo and resolved to:
• Develop a concept plan and estimate of costs, and an indication of apportionment for infrastructure works to address the concerns of residents in Catona Cres, Cobram; and
• Consult with property owners who may have to contribute to a proposed scheme to determine the level of support and report back to council.
“The proposed drainage upgrade was designed and a draft special charge scheme to share in the costs of the works was developed and put before benefiting property owners,” the council spokesperson said.
“The scheme and works were abandoned due to insufficient support.
“Council will shortly issue a letter to residents of Catona Cres with an update on the special charge scheme.
“Council is continuing to look for solutions to issues raised in the petition.
“Council completed drainage works at the western end of Catona Cres to improve the flow of the water along the swale drains and into the nearest pit and pipe to the retention dam.”