Mountjoy Parade Lorne Streetscape Special Rate
Scheme
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The Mountjoy Parade Streetscape Special Rate Scheme that was declared by Council on 22 January 2008.
A VCAT decision in July 2008 dismissed several appeals and confirmed the scheme without amendment. VCAT decision
A tender for construction was awarded to Canteri Brothers and construction is underway. For Mountjoy Parade Streetscape construction details click here.
Background
- Mountjoy Parade Streetscape proposal has been the subject of discussion and detailed investigation and design over many years. It covers a 1.2 km section of the Great Ocean Road between Bay Street and the new Deans Marsh Road roundabout.
- Stage 1, including the Otway Street intersection, foreshore pathway and boardwalk was constructed in time for the February 2006 World Life Saving Championships. VicRoads has completed construction of a roundabout at the Deans Marsh Road intersection. Each of these projects has involved peripheral works including improvements to the street lighting and underground drainage.
- The December 2006 undergrounding of existing powerlines by Powercor in Mountjoy Parade between Kosta's corner and William Street has prompted a review of the streetscape implementation timetable.
- Proposed Stage Two Streetscape work includes:
- Undergrounding of overhead powerlines
- Road pavement resurfacing
- Installation of new street and pedestrian lighting
- Kerb realignment and widening of the footpath and outdoor eating area adjacent to the shops
- New street furniture and landscaping
- Stormwater drainage replacement
- Outstanding works are estimated to cost $5m.
- Construction is currently planned to commence after Easter 2008.
Key Objectives
- Create a streetscape that enhances Lorne's appeal as a vibrant coastal town
- Retain the informal and relaxed feeling
- Provide a safer environment for pedestrians and maximise efficient vehicle movement
- Enhance the liveability and aesthetics
- Enhance Lorne's year round attraction and long term commercial viability
- Increase visitor facilities
- Integrate Lorne's commercial precinct, streetscape and foreshore
Formal Process
- A Community Reference Panel established in October 2006 has given detailed consideration to the need for and scope of the streetscape and provided guidance in regard to financing the work.
- In September 2007, initial correspondence was mailed to Lorne property owners outlining the project. Included was an informative brochure.
- Council, at its 18 September 2007 meeting resolved "its Intention to Declare" a Special Rate Scheme to fund $2.5 million towards the project. The propsed special rate seeks a payment from all Lorne Property Owners. The amount of the payment is based upon a percentage of the property value (NAV).
- A letter was sent to each owner advising of the project scope and individual payment. Many owners have made a written submissions to Council.
- Verbal presentations to the Committee in support of written submissions were made in Lorne on Friday 26 October and in Melbourne on Monday 29 October 2007.
- At its 22 January 2008 meeting, Council formally adopted the Mountjoy Parade Special Rate Scheme following which all Lorne property owners were forwarded notification of Council's decision. (22 January Council Minutes - see page 36)
- The percentages used to calculate the amount of special rate levied against properties were amended as follows:
- Commercial Properties 12.6% (unchanged)
- Commercial Properties Remote from Mountjoy Parade 1.15% (down from 6.3%)
- Residential Properties 1.15% (down from 2%)
- The issues raised were considered by Council's Special Rate Committee before referring the scheme to Council.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Richard Bain on (03) 5261 0620 or rbain@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
Other Relevant Documents
