By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A DANGEROUS, ungraded road in Cockatoo will not undergo permanent upgrades until a nearby shopping centre, held up by major planning delays, is completed.
Fairbridge Lane, which skirts around a large plot of undeveloped land where plans for the construction of an IGA Superstore were approved more than two years ago, has been described by local motorists as “dangerous” and “unpassable” due to significant pot holes.
The divots, believed to be caused by rain wash, are known to have damaged at least one car and been the cause of concern for business owners attempting to trade in Cockatoo.
“Every time I visit my son (who lives on Fairbridge Lane), it will take out the bottom of my car. I now park on the main street,” said long-term resident Amber Collins who paid for recent repairs to her car due to damage caused by the road lump.
Her son, who formerly operated as a motor mechanic business from his home, had to issue specific direction advice to visiting clients to make sure they did not have to negotiate with the dangerous drop estimated as being about half a meter deep.
The Pakenham Gazette put residents’ concerns about the dangerous road to Cardinia Shire Council which began temporary repairs within 24 hours of contact.
Council’s Manager for Strategic and Economic Development Tracey Parker said costs for road repairs are shared between the supermarket developer, the council and adjoining landowners.
Permanent repairs to the perilous road are still a way off.
“Works cannot start on the road until new underground services are installed and the major supermarket construction works are completed so the new road is not damaged by construction vehicles.
“The road construction works are expected to be carried out in late 2016,” said Ms Parker.
Local resident Chris Thompson said the road should have been repaired sooner but was pleased to find that the council had responded to his and fellow motorists’ concerns.
“It’s always been a bit of a nightmare,” he said.
The planning permit for the Cockatoo supermarket was approved by the council in 2012 but has been delayed due to a number of drainage, access, subdivision and construction issues, Ms Parker said.
She said these issues have now been finalised and construction of the supermarket is expected to begin in late spring next year.
Ms Collins said the town has for months been left in the dark about the planned supermarket – a sentiment echoed by a number of Cockatoo residents in the past.
“Cockatoo gets left off the map… we don’t really get told what’s happening. It’s strange,” she said.
The council said drivers should take care when using Fairbridge Lane until more permanent repairs are carried out.
