UPDATE: Hume Council has just approved a controversial motion to take over the maintenance of median strips along key arterial roads, breaking a deadlock that left councillors split five to five. This decision, made during a tense council meeting on August 11, 2023, comes in response to growing community concerns over the deteriorating conditions of these public areas.
The motion was propelled forward after Mayor Cr Bell used his casting vote to support Cr Kate Hamley’s proposal. The council’s previous motion, which aimed to affirm that maintenance responsibilities lay with the state-run Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), was rejected.
Cr Daniel English expressed strong discontent regarding the current state of maintenance, highlighting that the DTP has cut back its schedule from six maintenance cuts per year to just three, resulting in overgrown grass and visual neglect. “What we see on our arterial roads is not just overgrown grass; it is a visual sign of state government neglect,” he remarked. “This neglect hurts our image, our community pride, and even our road safety,” he added.
Despite Cr Hamley’s push for a minor maintenance agreement with DTP, which would see Hume Council officially take over maintenance starting in 2026-27, concerns remain high. “We get so many complaints about our arterial roads… DTP’s maintenance schedule has decreased, and that’s why there’s garbage along every arterial road and rampant graffiti everywhere,” she said, emphasizing the community’s frustration.
The decision now places the onus on Hume Council to ensure that these important thoroughfares are kept in a clean and safe condition, a move that could significantly impact local residents’ daily lives and enhance community pride. With only 10 councillors present, the urgency of the situation was palpable, leading to the swift decision-making process.
As the council steps into this new role, the implications for local ratepayers and the visual landscape of Hume will be closely watched. The council’s commitment to improving the condition of median strips could signal a broader shift in local governance, prioritizing community needs over state funding inadequacies.
Residents are urged to keep an eye on future developments regarding maintenance schedules and the effectiveness of the council’s new role in managing these vital areas. Will this decision lead to a tangible improvement in the condition of Hume’s roads? Only time will tell, but the community’s voice has undoubtedly been heard loud and clear.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Hume Council works to implement these changes.
