Mountjoy Parade Lorne Streetscape Special Rate
Scheme
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Following Council's 22 January 2008 formal declaration of the Mountjoy Parade Lorne Streetscape Special Rate Scheme, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) received six appeals from Lorne property owners. A hearing has been scheduled for 16 June 2008.
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.
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
- 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%
- Residential Properties 1.15%
- All Lorne property owners will receive regular updates to keep them informed of the progress of this significant project.
- 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).
- The following percentages are proposed:
- Commercial Properties 12.6%
- Commercial Properties Remote from Mountjoy Parade 6.3%
- Residential Properties 2%
- 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.
- The issues raised will be considered by Council's Special Rate Committee before referring the scheme to Council.
- In September 2007, initial correspondence was mailed to Lorne property owners outlining the project. Included was an informative brochure.
- 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.
- Panel Outcomes
Further information can be obtained by contacting Richard Bain on (03) 5261 0620 or jrb@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
