Brimbank Council is ending up out of pocket for maintaining roads which are the responsibility of the State Government and has written to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Department of Transport seeking an increased contribution towards the upkeep of these roads.
“Some Councils in a similar position to Brimbank have decided to hand back maintenance of these roads to the State Government. Like us, they are struggling with the long term impacts of rate capping and rising costs. These roads are ultimately a responsibly of the State Government,” said the Mayor of Brimbank, Cr Ranka Rasic.
The cost of works is estimated at $475,000 each year, with the State Government contributing just $109,000. This leaves rate payers effectively paying twice, both the State Government and local Council, for the same works.
Council has requested an increase in the annual contribution towards the upkeep of various arterial roads from the State Government by 30 June 2024.
While we work towards a more realistic funding agreement with the State for maintenance of these assets, we will continue to maintain them, as best we can within our resources. In addition, Council will continue to maintain areas, within its responsibility, including verges and other land (parks, nature strips, median strips etc.) on State roads to ensure community safety and expected amenity.
Which roads are impacted?
Under a Municipal Maintenance Agreement (MMA), Council has undertaken maintenance for the following roads on behalf of the Department of Transport since 2016:• Furlong Road
• Keilor Park Drive • Melrose Drive
• Keilor-Derrimut Road • Melton Highway
• Keilor-Melton Road • Sharps Road
• Kings Road • St Albans Road
• Main Road • Sunshine Avenue
• McIntyre Road • Federation Trail.
The Department of Transport (formerly VicRoads) is the Responsible Road Authority (under the Road Management Act) for these roads.
What work does Council current do?
The MMA requires Council to provide all labour, plant/equipment, traffic management, etc. to undertake the following activities:
• Grass mowing;
• Edge trimming;
• Grass and weed control;
• Tree and shrub management; and
• Noxious weed control.
Because these road are the responsibility of the State Government, there are restrictive conditions relating to how work is carried out and what contractors can be engaged which cause additional costs to Council and do not reflect current expectations for safety and amenity.
What happens in other Councils?
Under the Responsible Roads Authority, Councils have a range of obligations to keep roads maintained and safe for community use.
The level of service provided for by the Department of Transport under the MMA (being 3-4 cuts per year) is less than that required for roads under direct Council management.
Other Councils have decided to hand back responsibility for maintenance of roads to the state government and terminate the MMA.
What happens now?
Following the 16 April 2024 Council Meeting, CEO Fiona Blair has written to the Secretary of the Department of Transport and the Hon. Minister Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne seeking an increased contribution toward the upkeep of various arterial roads, and requesting a response before 30 June 2024.
