This consultation is closed.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

Welcome

About the project

The City is proposing a Special Rate and Charge Scheme in response to requests from residents to construct a 1.5 metre concrete footpath on both sides connecting Heyers Road and Allambee Avenue to existing paths in Coolabah Drive.

Community consultation took place previously in February/March 2021 where it was understood the scheme was not supported as proposed at that time. We have since reviewed our Special Rates and Charges Policy and as promised in our letter dated 19 April 2021, we have developed a new cost sharing model.

We invite you to join the conversation to enable us to identify if constructing a concrete footpath in Coolabah Drive, Grovedale as a cost sharing arrangement is something you support. There are a number of ways for you to do this:

February 2021 consultation

Information relating to the previous engagement in February 2021 can be found here.

Find out more

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Project Commences

Project Initiation commenced in 2021
Timeline item 2 - complete

Community Engagement

Benefiting property owners are invited to have their say on the proposed footpath via our survey.
Survey opens 16 May 2022.
Timeline item 3 - complete

Community engagement closes

Closes 5pm Monday 14 June 2022.
Timeline item 4 - active

Feedback Reviewed
Timeline item 5 - incomplete

Community informed of next steps

Letters will be sent to all potentially affected property owners with a summary of the feedback received and the next steps. The scheme will either be abandoned or a proposal to Council asking them to resolve it's intention to declare the scheme.

Document Library

Special Rates and Charges Council Policy

PDF (321.40 KB) | Listen

Special Rates and Charge Scheme

PDF (180.98 KB) | Listen

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF (219.09 KB) | Listen

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 generally seek the views of all those owners who may be the subject of a scheme and make an assessment of the degree of support before proceeding.

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 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 and if the Council resolves 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.

Once the works have commenced Council will send a payment option form and then start to send invoices to collect payments for the scheme.

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 2000, should the project go over budget, residents will never be charged more that a further 10% or the original cost.

Please visit our Coronavirus Support Page for information about impacts on City events, services and facilities.

The City is guided by the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities in our response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Within current restrictions, the City is conducting face-to-face (in person) activities which are delivered in line with the City's COVID Safe Work Plan for the Community Engagement Activities.

Who's listening?

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

Name	Alison McGorman, Project 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 project home page

Phone	03 5272 5272
Email	contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Website	www.geelongaustralia.com.au

Phone

03 5272 5272

contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Website

Have Your Say

Coolabah Drive, Grovedale

This consultation is closed.

Welcome

About the project

February 2021 consultation

Contact Us

Translating & Interpreting Services: 13 14 50