By Shelby Brooks
Residents in Nar Nar Goon North are dismayed at the lack of action to fix what they describe as a “dangerous” road.
Potholes, soft and eroding shoulders, fallen trees and corrugations are among the issues locals on Bessie Creek Road have to deal with every time they want to leave their homes.
John Henzen said he was concerned for the safety of people that travel on the road.
“The lack of maintenance and repair work by the council means the safety of road users, including emergency services, is continually compromised,” he said.
“The most frustrating part for me is that we need to make complaints before anything gets done and then, more often than not, it will be a band-aid solution.”
Currently, orange mesh, cones and portable traffic lights are in place to warn motorists of points of concern along the unsealed road.
Theresa Field said due to undercutting along certain parts of the road, the road was a foot narrower in some spots.
“It is just so dangerous,” she said.
“You can only get up to 60km/h if you’re lucky. But there are so many idiots on the road.
“We just want the road to be safe and maintained.”
Ted Coatman said the road was better 40 years ago than it is today.
“It’s a bushtrack,” he said.
He was also worried about the fire hazard the undergrowth alongside the road presented during summer.
Although everyone agreed the road needed serious repair work, there was not a clear consensus on what the solution was.
Some want it sealed, others don’t.
“In my opinion, given the volume of traffic, it is not sustainable for Bessie Creek Road to be a gravel road any longer,” Mr Hensen said.
“The maintenance required to keep it safe as a gravel road is beyond the resources of the council.”
In opposition, others wanted it maintained as a gravel road to deter more motorists from using it as a shortcut from Gembrook to Gippsland.
In 2019, Maryknoll residents gathered to lobby the council to do more on Bessie Creek Road, and other roads in the area.
They claimed irregular maintenance and low-quality grading contributed to the notoriety of the road.
A spokesperson for Cardinia Shire Council said works to improve and stabilise two key areas of road along Bessie Creek Road will soon commence.
“The works will include earthworks, retaining wall construction, drainage and pavement works, and some vegetation removal. These works are expected to commence from March,” they said.
“The council also plans a future upgrade for the entire unsealed section of Bessie Creek Road over a 5km length as part of its Better Local Roads – Strategic Sealed Roads program.
“These works will include the construction of a sealed road, kerb and channel, drainage, signage, guardrails and line marking. Detailed designs are complete and planning permits and necessary approvals being sought. It is expected these works will occur works over the summer period 2023/24.”
Maintenance such as grading of the unsealed section of Bessie Creek Road happens typically eight times a year, dependent on conditions.
Minor maintenance and activities such as repair of any defects within the sealed section, signage repair and vegetation management also happen as required through the year.
Grading was last completed in January this year, and a sealed pothole repair was completed early February this year.
