Cardinia Shire Council is seeking feedback on the draft 2025-29 Road Management Plan, which is now available for review on Creating Cardinia.
The proposed Road Management Plan (RMP) outlines the standards and level of service provided in maintaining the roads, footpaths, bridges and shared paths that are managed by Council.
The plan outlines the requirements for Council to proactively and reactively inspect, service and manage Council-managed infrastructure assets, including how often inspections will occur and how quickly Council will respond to reports.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik is urging the community to have their say on the draft Road Management Plan to help inform its direction and overall implementation.
"Council manages an expansive road network which extends over 1600kms from the flats through our growth corridor and up into the Hills. We know that there is a lot of work to be done on our local roads and infrastructure, and we are committed to making improvements to keep the community moving."
"Our Road Management Plan outlines the clear requirements of Council, and it hold us accountable to action and maintain our local infrastructure in the best interest of the community."
Under the Road Management Act 2004 and Road Management Act (General) Regulations 2016, each Council must review its Road Management Plan every 4 years following a local government election. The review ensures the RMP aligns with current legal standards and community needs.
"Since we adopted our last Road Management Plan over four years ago, we've rapidly grown as a shire, seeing an additional 7000 residents move into the region. Our growth has presented new pressures, expectations and demands for better local infrastructure, which we are trying to address." Mayor Kowarzik said.
"In addition to keeping up with increasing demands delivering upgrades for our growing shire, we do face constraints and challenges with our maintenance that aren't always in our control like weather, varied topography, contractor availability, limited machinery and budget."
The Road Management Plan sets maximum timeframes for repairs based on the severity of the issue and the classification of the road. While works are sometimes completed earlier for efficiency or asset preservation, Council must follow the RMP's timelines to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
"We want to hear from you to understand how we can best service our local infrastructure in your interest. Your feedback will be vital to help inform the final Road Management Plan." Mayor Kowarzik said.
Community consultation is now open and will close on Tuesday 19 August 2025. Council will then review the community feedback before finalising the plan for consideration at the October 2025 Council meeting.
To have your say on Council's proposed Road Management Plan, visit Council's Creating Cardinia website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
