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 the Council that was received in February 2024. The petition showed that 94% of property owners on this section of The Esplanade want a road and drainage upgrade to occur and are willing to help pay for it.

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.

The project will now progress to the detailed design phase. Subject to any appeals lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the works will be publicly tendered with construction anticipated to commence no earlier than February 2027.

Application for review

A person upon whom a special rate or charge has been imposed can lodge an application with VCAT to seek a review of Council’s decision. Please note that any application must be submitted within 30 days from the date of issue of a notice of levy. Applications must be made using the appropriate VCAT form, which is available from VCAT’s website or office, and must be accompanied by the applicable fee.

If you wish to apply for a review of Council’s decision under Section 185 of the Local Government Act 1989, you may contact VCAT using the details provided below.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 

Postal address: GPO Box 5408, Melbourne VIC 3001

Phone: 1300 018 228

Email: admin@courts.vic.gov.au

Website: www.vcat.vic.gov.au