A major upgrade of Pearson Street and Simpson Street in Sale costing up to $1.1 million is well underway as part of the Residential Road and Street Construction program.

Projects within this program are based on Special Charge Schemes, where Wellington Shire Council and property owners work together to have roads upgraded.

This is the second of the Special Charge Scheme to begin under this program following completion of the Cunninghame Street works last year.

The works include reconstructing the road, replacing open drains with kerb and channel, installing new footpaths and tree plantings.

Special Charge Schemes are only initiated if the majority of property owners on the pertaining road wish for the road to be upgraded to higher standards. They are a collaboration between residents and Council who both pay a portion of the total cost for roads to be constructed.

There are 51 properties in Pearson and Simpson Street and the majority of residents indicated they were in favour of the scheme.

“Special Charge Schemes are a fair, community driven way of delivering better roads across the Shire,” Wellington Shire Council Mayor Carolyn Crossley said.

“Through these improvements residents will benefit from dust reduction, a handsome streetscape and improved pedestrian access.”

Council has formally declared schemes for construction over the coming 12 months for Marley Street from Macarthur Street to Raglan Street, two sections of Dundas Street between Cunninghame and Fitzroy Street in Sale, and a section of Merry Street, West of Powerscourt Street in Maffra.

These projects have been prioritised for implementation, however residents wishing to enquire about their road or street can contact Council’s Built and Natural Environment team on 1300 366 244.