Council Receives $5.6 Million for Land Slip Repairs
Released: 12/08/2011
Baw Baw Shire Council has received an advance payment of $5,616,350 from the state government’s Natural Disasters Claim fund to repair land slips.
The Council sought an advance payment to cover an estimated 50 per cent of the cost of repairing land slips.
The Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Diane Blackwood said the Council was pleased with the funding.
“Baw Baw Shire has experienced significant land slips in recent months, which has resulted in a number of road closures,” said the Mayor.
“The total estimated repair bill currently sits at over $11 million, which is money that the Council does not have.
“Council officers sought an advance payment of 50 per cent of the estimated bill, which has been received.
“The Council has submitted a formal application to the state government’s Natural Disasters Claim fund. The Council has been notified that the claim is being processed but the release of the interim funds will enable work to commence while the application is being assessed.
“It is important that the community understands that although these funds have been received, the Council is still legally required to undertake a tender process to appoint a contractor to complete the works.
“A schedule of rates tender is currently open and closes on 31 August 2011. Once the applications have been assessed and a contractor appointed, the Council will be able to provide a timeline for the works to be undertaken.
“The Council understands the frustration of affected residents and we are acting as quickly as possible to get these roads fixed.
“I would like to thank the community for their ongoing patience and I ask that they hold on a little longer while the Council works towards opening our roads.”