Laying the groundwork for future progress on our unsealed roads

The Local Street Sealing Initiative (LSSI) outlines Council’s long‑term, strategic and sustainable approach to improving unsealed residential roads across the shire in a fair, transparent, and affordable way.

Previously, requests to seal roads were considered on a case‑by‑case basis. The LSSI changes this by setting out how unsealed residential roads may be assessed, considered, and progressively proposed for engagement as part of a Special Charge Scheme over time.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said this new initiative aligns with Council’s commitment to improving unsealed roads, which is a key priority in the Council Plan.

“We know unsealed roads can be frustrating for residents, whether it’s dust, rough surfaces, drainage issues, or access during bad weather. Our communities want to see real progress. This initiative gives us a clear, consistent, and transparent way to start addressing those challenges over time.”

“Our Local Street Sealing Initiative provides a responsible and sustainable way to improve local streets, ensuring money is spent wisely and communities are involved in decisions. The LSSI enables more roads to be considered for sealing over time through a Special Charge Scheme for the benefit of residents and the wider municipality,” Mayor Owen said.

The initiative sets out clear and transparent assessment criteria to help guide decision-making in a fair and consistent way. These include:

• affordability and estimated costs for property owners
• ongoing maintenance demands and asset management costs
• safety and emergency access
• resident enquiries and demonstrated community interest

Community engagement is an essential element of the LSSI framework.  Council is proposing to engage with property owners to progress future road sealing projects through Special Charge Schemes. A Special Charge Scheme (SCS) is a legislated way for Council and benefiting property owners to share the cost of local road upgrades.

A staged consultation process has been mapped out as part of the LSSI, in line with the Local Government Act and Council’s Special Charge Scheme policy, to empower property owners and Council to progress together.

Property owners will be informed and engaged at key stages, through information sessions and surveys. Property owner feedback will be a key factor in determining whether a road is recommended to proceed through the statutory SCS process or not.

Eligible streets will be progressively proposed for consideration and engagement as part of a potential Special Charge Scheme subject to assessments, funding availability, and further Council direction.

More than 170 unsealed residential streets are currently eligible for consideration under the LSSI. Inclusion in the initiative does not guarantee an upgrade, however it means a street may be considered for future planning and community consultation.

Under the LSSI, residents also have the option to submit a formal petition to Council, demonstrating majority property owner support for their road to be considered for a potential Special Charge Scheme.

With Council currently managing over 800km of unsealed roads across Cardinia Shire, the LSSI has been developed to help respond to the growing demands, challenges, and pressures of maintaining and trying to upgrade the unsealed road network.

“We know that essential improvements are needed to ensure that we can keep moving, and the Local Street Sealing Initiative sets out what Council can realistically begin to do.”

“However, the substantial cost to upgrade our large, unsealed road network means that sealing all unsealed roads alone or all at once is not financially viable for Council or ratepayers. We need further support and investment from all levels of government to see significant progress being made on our unsealed roads,” Mayor Owen said.

Council continues to advocate for funding for unsealed road upgrades ahead of the upcoming State election. To date, no additional funding has been secured.

“The Local Street Sealing Initiative won’t solve every issue overnight, but it provides a clear, responsible path forward that balances fairness, affordability and transparency, while helping us improve local roads for our residents over time,” Mayor Owen said.

Council is currently in the process of updating its Special Charge Policy to provide further clarity about its process. More information is expected to be shared later this year.

For more information about the Local Street Sealing Initiative, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/seal-my-street

(*Cardinia Shire Council endorsed the Local Street Sealing Initiative (LSSI) at its April 2026 Council Meeting.)