The City of Greater Geelong has estimated that up to one-third of the region’s unsealed roads were washed away in the recent floods.
The roads will require resheeting and the City is pleading with ratepayers to be patient while it attempts to clear the backlog of requests relating to roads, drainage and pits.
The City received 513 Requests for Service relating to roads between 13 October and 3 November, and 447 requests relating to drainage and pits.
This is more than three times the volume from the same period last year, with further requests still coming in each day.
Director of City Services Guy Wilson-Browne said workers were getting through the backlog, but delays were unavoidable.
“There is simply an enormous amount of work to be done, and it will take time to get through,” he said.
“We understand that every request made by our community is important, but we are having to prioritise our repairs based on safety and greatest benefit to the majority.
“Roads that have washed away, are impassable and/or have significant shoulder damage are receiving high priority.
“Adding to the challenge, there is a shortage of both contractors and materials available given the huge flood impact across Victoria.
“We thank the community in advance for being kind and considerate to our staff and contractors who are out on the roads doing their absolute best in very testing circumstances.
“We recognise that the wait will be frustrating, but can only ask for patience with the assurance that we will get everything done as soon as we can.”
The City announced a three-month suspension of its Road Management Plan on 24 October to enable a prioritisation of flood repairs.
The plan sets the standards for inspection, maintenance and repair of sealed and unsealed roads, footpaths, shared paths, kerb and channel, bridges, waterway channels and traffic control devices.
