Background

Following a $100M reduction in Federal funding for Council's road sealing program, on Tuesday 13 May 2025 Council endorsed the Special Rate and Charge Scheme Policy 2025.

In October 2025, landowners in Cairncroft Avenue, Launching Place received a letter advising that Council had identified their road as a project for consideration within our five-year proactive program road sealing program.

In November 2025, landowners received details of the proposal and were invited to complete a questionnaire, to gauge the level of support for the Road Sealing - Special Charge Scheme.

Learn more about Sealing Unsealed Roads and Special Rate and Charge Schemes.


Works Summary

Proposed road improvement works:

  • Trafficable road 5 metres in width
  • Concrete rollover kerb and channel or edge strip, and associated underground drainage as required

Total length of road to be constructed is approximately 445 metres starting from the existing sealed section of Cairncroft Avenue to the dead end near the Warburton Trail.


Additional Works

  • Sealed parking area for Warburton Trail users
  • Concrete footpath and crossings

These works are to be funded by Council and are not included in the Special Charge Scheme.


Project Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Landowner consultation

    • Questionnaire sent to all landowners affected to gauge your support for proposal
    • Special Charge Scheme road construction projects only proceed where both Council and a majority of landowners are supportive of the proposal

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Design

    • Council’s Project Engineer will coordinate feature survey and design

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Landowner briefing

    • Accessible online via Council’s website.
    • Invitation letter sent to landowners
    • The briefing will outline design and Special Charge Scheme Statutory process.
    • Transcript available in related links

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Intent to levy

    • Report to Council
    • Intent to Levy Notice sent to landowners
    • Landowners may submit formal submissions
    • Review of submissions
    • Report to Council with submissions

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Declaration

    • Declaration of Special Charge Scheme Notice sent to landowners
    • Landowners may apply for Council’s Declaration of the Special Charge to be reviewed at VCAT
    • If no appeals to VCAT the project will be tendered
    • If an appeal is lodged at VCAT the project will be put on hold until a written decision has been made

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Construction

    • Contractor engaged via tender
    • Notification of works commencement letter sent to landowners
    • Works complete
    • Final costs of project reported to Council
    • Letter sent to landowners to notify final cost

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Contact Information
Name Infrastructure Delivery Team
Phone 1300 368 333
Email mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
In writing

Attn: Infrastructure Delivery Team

Re: Special Charge Scheme Enquiry

Yarra Ranges Council

PO Box 105, Lilydale Vic 3140

If you need assistance when contacting Council, please use the numbers below.

  • National Relay Service: 133 677 (for callers who have a hearing, speech or communication impairment and for Text Telephone or modem callers)
  • 1300 555 727 (for callers using Speech to Speech relay)
  • Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 and ask them to contact Council on 1300 368 333
  • TTY: 9658 9461