Have your say on Wellington’s Residential Road Planning

Special Charge Schemes are a way for Council and property owners to share the cost of upgrading residential streets that were not originally built to modern standards. Some older residential areas still have a mix of unsealed roads, limited drainage, no footpaths or do not have kerb and channel. A Special Charge Scheme helps fund improvements such as sealing roads, installing kerb and channel, improving drainage and adding footpaths, with Council contributing a large portion of the cost, directly benefitting property owners who contribute the remainder. This approach allows upgrades to occur in a fair, transparent way in accordance with the Local Government Act.

Wellington Shire Council is one of the few Councils that help pay for Special Charge Schemes. Without this contribution, property owners would need to cover 100% of the upgrade costs. Council currently covers around 60–70% of the total cost of a scheme.

Council is seeking community input on several key elements of the draft Plan, including the fixed rate contribution amounts, payment options, the current requirement of support from affected property owners for a scheme to proceed, and whether the mapped areas for potential future schemes remain relevant. Residents are also encouraged to provide any other feedback that will help shape the Residential Road and Street Construction Plan, rate contribution amounts and payment options.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Cindy Madeley said now is the time for residents to contribute and influence the priorities of the plan. “Now’s your chance share with Council if your street may be ready for a service upgrade. Your feedback helps us understand where the need is in the community and how these upgrades can be prioritised and delivered.”

Community members can provide feedback through a simple online survey available on the ‘Your Wellington Your Say’ website. The survey will help Council understand community priorities and shape how the Special Charge Schemes are applied in the future.

To have your say, visit Your Wellington Your Say: https://your.wellington.vic.gov.au.

Feedback closes Friday 13 March 2026.

For assistance or further information, contact Council on 1300 366 244 or email enquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au.

‍