Building sustainable roads in Nar Nar Goon North

As part of the Better Local Roads, Strategic Sealed Roads program, Cardinia Shire Council will seal the 5.3km unsealed length of Bessie Creek Rd in Nar Nar Goon North.

Works on Bessie Creek Rd are scheduled to be completed across two stages. Stage 1 includes the 2.2km section of Bessie Creek Rd from Mt Eirene Rd to Halifax Road, and will include:

• Road pavement construction
• Drainage improvement works
• Signage
• Line marking

Works on stage 1 are expected to be completed by June 2025, conditions permitting.

Stage 2 works will include the 3.1km section from Halifax Road to the Gembrook Road intersection, and will include rectification works to several landslips along the road. Rectification works on the land slips are expected to be actioned by November 2025, before stage 2 works start from February 2026.

The Strategic Sealed Roads program aims to seal local roads that create strategic links to the existing road network, improve road safety, establish sustainable infrastructure and reduce environmental impacts associated with unsealed roads including run-off and dust.

Bessie Creek Road was one of the first projects where Council has trialled the use of thermal imaging drones to help identify native fauna habitats along a road corridor. Conducting surveys at both day and night, Council uncovered the presence of protected Southern Greater gliders and Yellow-Bellied gliders in the trees along Bessie Creek Road.

Council also used ground penetrating radar technology to conduct environmental surveys and create a 3D model of the trees and their roots above and below ground.

These surveys enabled Council to establish a more sustainable design and delivery approach, which would minimise disruption, reduce environmental impact and protect and preserve the beautiful local fauna, flora and ecosystems in the area.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said, “We are proud that our Strategic Sealed Roads program takes an innovative and sustainable approach to road and infrastructure construction.”

“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and protecting native vegetation and wildlife during road projects.”

“Council has a responsibility to ensure all projects are delivered to the highest standard, not only for our residents, but also for the flora and fauna that may be impacted by potential roadworks.” Mayor Kowarzik said.

In line with Council’s 2018-28 Sustainable Environment Policy, environmental experts and cultural advisors are appointed to complete comprehensive reviews of plans, and full biodiversity and cultural heritage studies are completed before construction begins on local road projects.

To find out more about the Bessie Creek Road upgrade and other major projects being delivered in your local area, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/bettercardinia