The Council's Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Program has helped improve infrastructure in Bass Coast for many years.
These upgrades are usually delivered through Special Charge Schemes. This is a way for Council to raise money for an upgrade project by charging property owners that benefit from the upgrade. This is allowed by the Local Government Act 1989.
This process means many communities now have better infrastructure like sealed roads, kerbs, footpaths, drainage, and other important facilities. The Council also helps pay for these projects if they benefit the wider community, not just the upgraded area.
The project to upgrade The Esplanade (Sunderland Bay Road to Batman Street) was started in response to a petition to Council that was received in February 2024.
The project was supported by property owners through the legislative process and formally declared in September 2025. Updates on the project will be provided below.
What will it look like?
Project Update February 2026
Council officers have been working with Beveridge Williams to undertake detailed design. This involves refining the details outlined in the Concept Plan to ensure all elements meet the aims of the project and are functional when construction occurs.
The functional layout plans for the project can be viewed here. A cross section of the road design is shown below.
On ground service proving (locating underground utilities) has also commenced.
There is a variety of investigations that must be completed prior to construction including:
- Targeted species flora and fauna surveys
- Cultural Heritage Management Plan
- Coastal acid sulphate soil testing
These processes have been initiated by Council.
Next steps
- Detailed design is schedule to be completed by June 2026.
- Council will seek requests for tender through Council's procurement Policy to ensure value for money for property owners and Council.
- Permits for vegetation removal will be completed after detailed design.
Outcome of legislative process
Property owners were asked to provide submissions and/or objections for the proposed Special Charge Scheme. Property owners had until the 16 July 2025 to submit their response.
