The resurfacing of The Boulevard is being proposed now to address ongoing safety concerns, improve accessibility, and maintain the road's long-term usability. While the road has served the community for decades, its condition has deteriorated over time due to wear and tear, increasing maintenance costs, and safety risks.

We also have a duty of care to ensure a safe working environment for our staff and contractors who maintain and service the road. A smoother and more stable surface will reduce risks for those working on or around the roadway, ensuring their safety while carrying out essential maintenance and improvement works.

Under Section 40 of the Road Management Act 2004, Council has a statutory responsibility to inspect, maintain and repair public roads in accordance with the standards set out in its Road Management Plan.

The Boulevard was sealed in the early 1990’s, after complaints from residents regarding dust and potholes. As The Boulevard is a previously sealed road, Council is obligated to maintain it as such. Failing to do so could be considered a breach of our duty of care and may expose Council to liability if an incident occurs. The road has previously been listed as unsealed which is not correct.

The proposal was developed based on ongoing feedback from the community, safety assessments, and maintenance requirements. While formal consultation is happening now, the need for improvements has been identified over time through concerns raised by residents, staff, and road condition monitoring.

The current consultation process provides an opportunity for the community to have a say before any final decisions are made. Your feedback will help shape the final plan, ensuring that it reflects the needs and priorities of those who use The Boulevard. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts through the online survey.

Resurfacing a road can improve driving conditions, which may lead to increased traffic or higher speeds in some cases. However, it can be effectively managed and reduced through strategies. To address these concerns, traffic filters and traffic calming measures are proposed to reduce through-traffic and discourage speeding.

We cannot eliminate rat running behaviour, but it can be effectively managed and reduced through traffic management strategies. By implementing the proposed measures, we aim to create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone who lives on or visits The Boulevard. Over time, these strategies will help deter cut-through drivers and ensure that the road remains primarily for local use.

Yes, a key focus of the resurfacing project is to improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. The proposed improvements will create a smoother and more consistent road surface, reducing hazards such as potholes and uneven sections that can be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrian. Additionally, the project includes measures to manage vehicle speeds and reduce through traffic, which will create a calmer and safer environment for both pedestrians and cyclists.

The resurfacing of The Boulevard will enhance the road surface quality while preserving its green and rural character. To address residents’ concerns about the potential traffic volume increases, traffic filters and calming measures are proposed to reduce through-traffic. These measures will help maintain both safety and accessibility while keeping the unique character of The Boulevard intact. Additionally, an earth-toned colour palette will be used to ensure the new surface blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

The resurfacing project has been carefully planned to minimise its impact on wildlife and the surrounding environment. The Boulevard is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, and preserving this is a key priority. The works will be carried out in a way that avoids unnecessary disruption to local flora and fauna. No significant vegetation removal is planned, and measures will be taken to ensure that wildlife corridors remain intact. Additionally, by reducing through traffic and implementing traffic calming measures, the project could benefit wildlife by creating a safer and quieter environment.

The current road surface causes thuds, rumbles, and vibrations when tires hit uneven surfaces. The new surface will reduce this problem, leading to a quieter and smoother driving experience. By addressing these issues, the resurfacing project aims to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors, ensuring that the unique character of The Boulevard is preserved while improving safety and usability.

There will be no change to the current drainage arrangements. The resurfacing project has been carefully planned to ensure that existing drainage systems remain effective and functional. By maintaining the current drainage setup, we aim to prevent any potential issues related to water runoff or flooding, ensuring that the area remains safe and accessible for all residents and visitors.

New lighting would be required to accompany speed calming treatments. Otherwise, there is no plan to install additional lighting. The primary goal of the resurfacing project is to improve safety and usability while preserving the unique character of The Boulevard.

Patching may seem like a simpler and cheaper solution, but it is only a short-term fix and does not sustainability address the underlying issues with the road surface. The Boulevard has experienced ongoing wear and tear over the years, and patch repairs are becoming less effective, leading to frequent maintenance needs and increased costs. Resurfacing the road provides a long-term solution by improving safety, creating a smoother and more durable surface, and reducing the need for ongoing patchwork repairs. It also allows the implementation of traffic calming measures, ensuring a safer environment for residents, cyclists, and pedestrian.