Special Charge Schemes

To view Council's Special Charge Scheme policy please click here.

Current Projects

The Torquay Town Centre Revitalisation Project which includes the removal of powerlines, erection of street lighting and some landscaping, also includes some funding assistance through a Special Charge Scheme which has been declared by Council. It is expected that this work will be undertaken after Easter 2006 (so that the physical works minimise the impact on the abutting businesses).

A Special Charge Scheme for the construction of roads and drainage in Fairhaven has been recently discussed with the 300 property owners directly affected. A Reference Group met several times since October, 2005 to guide the progress of this project. For further details on this scheme please click here.

A Special Charge Scheme for the improvement of drainage in Lorne has also been flagged with the 500 property owners within the stormwater catchment known as L3. A Reference Group has been established, for further details on this scheme please click here.

Special Charge Schemes to assist with funding of pathways in Darian Road and Fischer Street, Torquay, were declared by Council in February 2006 and it is anticipated construction will be completed before June 2006.

Further Special Charge Schemes are also in the pipeline for pathways throughout the Surf Coast Shire including Noble Street and McMahon Street in Anglesea, Armitage Street in Lorne and Willis Street in Winchelsea.

Special Charge Schemes for the construction of road and drainage works in Elizabeth Street, Anglesea and a section of Strathmore Drive Jan Juc, south of the Great Ocean Road, have recently been constructed. The final costs will be reviewed and contributions will be advised in March 2006.

Procedures

Council can prepare and administer a special charge scheme for the provision of works or services. The process involves Council advising potential beneficiaries and the public of the proposed scheme and its probable cost distribution. After considering formal submissions, Council can adopt, amend or abandon the scheme. Property owners required to make a financial contribution are advised of the Council deliberations. Contributors can refer objections to an adopted scheme to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). VCAT has three options: 1) vary the special charge in relation to one or more of the applicants; 2) set aside the scheme; or 3) confirm the scheme as declared by Council. Once a scheme has been adopted and confirmed, the Shire proceeds with the works and upon completion, forwards an invoice to the contributors. Financial payments can be made over a number of years.

Powerline Relocation

Overhead powerlines can be replaced with aerial bundled cable (a single thick cable) or by undergrounding. Currently, the State Government provides a subsidy through the Powerline Relocation Committee of up to 50% for the undergrounding of powerlines in high profile locations. When there is substantial support for a project, the Shire will undertake the facilitation of powerline relocation through the preparation of a special charge scheme (see Special Charge Schemes).