
More than 400 trees and $1 million of ratepayers' money has been saved during two road sealing projects in Heath Hill and Nar Nar Goon.
Cardinia Shire mayor Jack Kowarzik said it was pleasing to have more local roads sealed after the projects at Mt Lyall Rd and Dore Rd.
"This is a great outcome for our community," Cr Kowarzik said. "We've not only sealed two additional strategic links within our road network to help improve road conditions and safety for drivers, but we managed to save our community money and our local environment at the same time."
By taking an avoid and minimise approach to design and construction, adjusting plans, working with existing conditions and utilising innovative cutting edge survey technology, the shire reported it was able to deliver upgrades, reduce the environmental impacts, limit tree removal and help protect and preserve the beautiful local fauna, flora and ecosystems in the area, while saving significant money.
As part of initial environmental surveys, council used ground penetrating radar technology to prepare for the sealing and upgrades to the six kilometres of Mt Lyall Rd at Heath Hill between Westernport Rd and the shire boundary as well as the entire six kilometre length of Dore Rd at Nar Nar Goon. This created 3D models of the trees and their roots above and below ground.
Council said the surveys enabled a better understanding of potential impacts and helped inform the planning and design process.
"By working differently and adjusting the designs and delivery for Dore Rd and Mt Lyall Rd, it's estimated that 95 per cent of the identified trees were saved from removal across both projects," Cr Kowarzik said. "These changes helped establish a more sustainable approach and contributed to significant construction cost savings including vegetation offsets."
Community feedback also led to further road safety improvements being incorporated into the Mt Lyall Rd design.
After receiving feedback, a review of the existing road pavement near the Heath Hill/Yannathan CFA station was undertaken. Council determined that the road needed to be widened to allow safe traffic movements for large vehicles. Where possible, additional road and shoulder widening works were incorporated into the project scope to increase the width from around five metres to more than seven metres in certain sections.
"I'm proud to see how we've worked to find a more sustainable way to deliver these infrastructure projects, listened to community feedback and remained committed to delivering the best result," Cr Kowarzik added.
Both projects, part of the "Better Local Roads, Strategic Sealed Roads" program, were jointly funded by Cardinia Shire and the Federal Government's "Local Roads and Commmunity Infrastructure Program".