The application of the dust suppressant seals was undertaken as a trial only in Bass Coast between 2005 and 2007.

These seals were designed to be low cost and temporary as minimal preparation was undertaken on the subgrade and base materials in order to keep costs low.

At the end of the trial in 2010 an analysis was undertaken on the various treatments. This investigation found that the seal was not sustainable over the long term. A management strategy was adopted by Council in 2013 to resolve this.

Council has completed an independent condition audit of the remaining dust suppression seals to guide their removal. The results of the audit can be viewed here.

The results of the audit have shown that these seals have now reached end of life condition, resulting in safety concerns, poor accessibility, and reduced visual amenity. To ensure the roads remain safe and usable for our community, these seals must now be removed.

Council will contact property owners within the 12 months prior to the scheduled removal of the dust suppression seal to ask if they are interested in an upgrade. There is no need to submit a petition.

If all property owners on your street agree, invoices will be issued, and works will commence after payment is made.

If your street does not support an upgrade, the existing surface seal will be removed, and the road will be prepared with a compacted layer of crushed rock.

If your street decides to pursue an upgrade in the future, a petition can be submitted in accordance with the Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Policy. Please note that the fixed contribution amount of $4,000 will no longer apply.

In 2020 the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria reviewed the product sourced for road making in Bass Coast. The assessment concluded that the health risk to residents from occasional exposure to road dust would be considered low.

The material used for road making is applied following relevant guidelines so that it should not affect the health and amenity of residents during road construction or maintenance activities.

When roads are more frequently used such as long weekends and school holiday periods road dust volumes can increase.

The EPA has information on how people can reduce the impacts of dust on their health - www.epa.vic.gov.au/dust.

Council’s website also lists information on how to reduce exposure for those who live on unsealed roads - www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/dust

The best solution for reducing dust exposure is to seal roads with an asphalt surface.

Bass Coast Shire Council is committed to making our communities safe and easy for everyone to use.

The current state of the seals, including potholes and cracking, is creating issues for people who use prams, wheelchairs, and mobility aids.

The construction of pedestrian footpaths is not included in the Draft Dust Suppression Seal Removal Policy.

Communities that wish to explore the addition of footpaths can do so through the Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Policy. Council contributes 50% of all footpath costs to encourage communities to include footpaths in their upgrade designs to increase accessibility for all.

There is no payment required at this stage.

If you and your street are supportive of an upgrade, payment would be required upfront and in full. There would be no payment plans available.

The Council uses money from rates to provide many services, including road maintenance. However, this money does not cover new improvements like building unsealed roads if they don't already exist.

Property owners on sealed roads have already contributed towards the sealing of their road through the cost of their property at purchase, with the cost of a better infrastructure reflected in the price of their property.

The draft Policy includes a one-off contribution amount of $4,000 per property to have the road seal permanently upgraded. This provides a considerable discount in comparison to an upgrade through the Urban Road and Drainage Improvement Policy and acknowledges that property owners have had the benefit of these seals for 20+ years.

This approach to road upgrades ensures a fair and equitable approach for all ratepayers across Bass Coast.

You can ask questions by calling Council’s Customer Service Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211, or by emailing roadupgrades@basscoast.vic.gov.au.