Log trucks will not be banned from Delegate River Road despite a petition from local residents presented to East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC).
However, Delegate River Road will undergo a gravel re-sheet, hopefully before Christmas.
EGSC general manager assets and environment, Fiona Weigall, spoke to the officer’s report regarding the petition ‘Degradation of Delegate River Road and Bridges and Bonang Road Bridge by Log Trucks’ that asked for the suspension of log trucks’ use of the roads and bridges.
“Only one is a council-controlled road, the other is under control of Regional Roads Victoria,” Ms Weigall said.
“Our manager of works has inspected the roads and while he has acknowledged some wear and tear it’s not considered of the level that would require the suspension of log trucks.
“The roads are at a point in their life of needing a gravel re-sheet and that will be organised for them.”
At last week’ s general meeting, councillors voted 6-1 to accept recommendations of the report, which included writing to the haulage company requesting their consideration of the community’s concerns and that they minimise the use of Delegate River Road.
Councillor Marianne Pelz declared a conflict of interest as her family business’ log trucks used the road, with Cr Jackson Roberts the only dissenter.
It was also acknowledged the Bonang Road was not in as good a condition as it could be and it was recommended council write to the Premier and the Minister for Roads requesting the Victorian government invests in sealing the final 12 kilometres of the Bonang Road.
As well, the upgrade and maintenance of McKillops Road must be given priority.
Residents of the Delegate River region originally presented the petition to Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, who then referred it to council.
Cr Dick Ellis asked if neighbouring councils had been contacted, which Ms Weigall said they had, and council had a meeting with the cross-border commissioner soon.
The motion was moved by Cr Toohey and seconded by Cr Reeves, with Cr Reeves saying it was an indication council was listening, reacting and being proactive around the matter.
PICTURED: East Gippsland Shire Council has rejected a petition from residents of Bonang and surrounds to ban timber trucks along the Delegate River Road.
