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WELCOME!

In response to concerns about the condition of the unsealed road at Nepean Close, North Geelong, we are considering a road upgrade which will include road sealing with some kerb and channel to assist with current drainage issues being experienced.

Special Rates and Charge Scheme

Under the Local Government Act 1989, the costs for new or upgraded infrastructure which benefits a specific group of property owners can be levied as a special charge. The road upgrade in Nepean Close is not considered to provide benefit to the wider community under our Special Rates and Charges (SRC) Policy and therefore will not receive a council contribution towards the cost of the works. Property owners will need to fund the full cost of works for the project to proceed.

The purpose of this survey is to engage with property owners to understand if there is enough support to upgrade Nepean Close under an SRC scheme in the future. We will be in contact with you again after the survey has closed to inform you of the outcome.

The estimated total cost of upgrading Nepean Close is $815,686.00.

More information about Special Rate and Charge schemes is available here.

Have your say

We encourage property owners to share their views by participating in a short survey. It is important that we hear your views so that the decision reflects true community feelings.

We want to know if you:

support the proposed road upgrade; and
support contributing towards a Special Charge Scheme in the future.

Please note that this survey closed at 5pm on Wednesday 4 September, 2024.

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Project Commences

Project Initiation commenced in July 2024.
Timeline item 2 - complete

Community Engagement

Benefitting property owners are invited to have their say on the proposed road sealing with kerb and channel upgrade via our survey.
Survey opens Friday 2 August 2024.
Timeline item 3 - complete

Community engagement closes

Survey closes 5pm Wednesday 4 September, 2024.
Timeline item 4 - active

Community Feedback Reviewed
Timeline item 5 - incomplete

Community informed of next steps

Letters were sent to all benefitting property owners to advise of the next steps on 12 December 2023. An Intention to Declare report will be provided to Council at the 26 March 2024 Council meeting.
Timeline item 6 - incomplete

Intention to Declare Submission period open

Submission period open from 12 April 2024 - 5pm 20 May 2024.
Timeline item 7 - incomplete

Submission Review
Timeline item 8 - incomplete

Declaration report presented to Council
Timeline item 9 - incomplete

Residents informed of the outcome
Timeline item 10 - incomplete

Contract tender process / Procurement

An advert will be placed to invite tenders from construction companies to perform these works.
A contract will then be drawn up and signed. Residents will be notified when the works will commence.
Timeline item 11 - incomplete

Opportunity to object to VCAT

Benefitting property owners now have the opportunity to object to VCAT (Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal). Submissions close at 5pm on ?

Process steps explained

As outlined in the 1989 Local Government Act, the following statutory steps will be followed with every Special Rate and Charge Scheme.

The SRC process may be initiated by the City, property owners or residents within the area.

The level of preliminary investigation, survey and consultation will usually depend on the complexity of the issues surrounding the need for the infrastructure.

The City will seek the views of all those property owners who may be the subject of a scheme through an early engagement and make an assessment of the degree of support before proceeding to survey and design.

The Council views consultation as an essential element of all SRC Schemes. This may be done in various ways depending on the circumstances and may include correspondence, brochures, public meetings, personal contact etc.

Councilors and Council Officers are always available to provide information and importantly to receive feedback on property owner’s views and opinions.

The Local Government Act requires the City to carry out certain formal processes:

A report is presented with all details of a proposed SRC scheme and the City may resolve its “Intention to declare a "Special Rate or Charge”.

The scheme is then advertised (Geelong Advertiser) and at the same time a letter of advice sent to all owners.

The process provides for owners to make submissions and objections to Council regarding any aspect of the scheme, which must be lodged within 28 days.

A Submissions Review Panel of Councilors is then convened and submitters may address this Panel.

The Panel having considered all submissions and information makes a recommendation to the City.

A detailed report is then placed before the Council which includes the Submissions Review Panel recommendation.

If the Council resolve to proceed, the SRC Scheme is declared. The Council may at this stage also modify or abandon the scheme.

Given a resolution to declare the SRC Scheme, a notice is issued to each owner liable to pay the charge. This indicates the estimated amount of the rate or charge and advises of rights to seek a review via the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). An application to VCAT must be lodged within 30 days of the issue of the Council notice.

On application, VCAT will conduct a hearing and advise all parties of its decision.

Council will send a payment option form and, as instructed by the Local Government Act 2020 (Amendment ), start invoicing within 12 months of the scheme being declared.

When works are completed, the costs are finalised and an adjustment made to each owners costs to reflect the actual, final costs. Where the finalised actual costs are lower than the amount paid a refund will be provided.

On completion of works, a final report will be provided to Council to advise of the final costings. Residents will be advised of any cost adjustments at this time. Please note that in line with the Local Government Act 1989, should the project go over budget, residents will never be charged more that a further 10% or the original cost.

FAQ

Can I provide feedback another way as I'm not comfortable using online tools?

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Name	Alison McGorman, SRC Program Manager
Phone	03 5272 4608
Email	engineeringplans@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Website	yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/
In writing	PO Box 104 Geelong Vic 3220

Back to SRC project home page

Phone	03 5272 5272
Website	www.geelongaustralia.com.au/contact/

Phone

03 5272 5272

Website

Have Your Say

Nepean Close, North Geelong - SRC 374

WELCOME!

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Translating & Interpreting Services: 13 14 50

Nepean Close, North Geelong - SRC 374

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WELCOME!

Contact Us

Translating & Interpreting Services: 13 14 50