Towong Shire Council has announced that work on the Corryong Heavy Vehicle Bypass along the Stock Route has wrapped up, with the project now completed.

The works included realignment of the Briggs Gap Road/Stock Route Intersection and two main corners along the Stock Route, installation of new drainage and culverts and pavement construction.

“This upgrade to the Stock Route will bring significant improvements, including road sealing to accommodate large B-Double trucks and eliminating a number of tight bends,” said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.

“This will provide a safer alternative route for trucks, addressing safety concerns associated with using the main street.

“The project was generously funded by the Australian government through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

In related news, Cr Whitehead said council was excited to share some potential plans for more parking options in Corryong and is seeking community input.

“Since March, we’ve been speaking with local landholders and businesses around Hanson Street to brainstorm ideas for more parking options,” Cr Whitehead said.

“Now, based on community feedback calling for more parking in the CBD area, we’ve developed two proposals for parking on Donaldson Street.

The first option is to remove the median street between Hanson and Harris streets and instal drive-through parking in its place.

The second option is to remove the median street, instal drive-through parking and replace the parallel parking with 45 degree parking bays.

“Both options include spaces for longer vehicles like caravans and trailers,” Cr Whitehead added.

To access the survey scan the QR code in the advertisement on page 2 or go to council’s website https://www.towong.vic.gov.au/. The survey closes on Wednesday 15 June.

Council will also host an information session on Tuesday 4 June at the Upper Murray Community Recovery Hub from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

“Community feedback on the parking options will be help determine council’s decision when the preferred option is considered for adoption at the July council meeting,” Cr Whitehead added.

“Conversations around other car parking options close to Hanson Street are still ongoing,”

In other council news, the draft Budget 2024/25, including a proposed rate increase of 2.75 per cent, was endorsed at a special meeting on 8 May and is now on public exhibition.

“This budget reflects our commitment to the delivery of the priorities identified by our community and outlined in the Council Plan 2021- 2025,” Cr Whitehead said.

“It is a budget we believe strikes the right balance between ensuring your rates are being invested efficiently and effectively, while meeting all the needs of our community.”

The budget includes capital works of $22.6 million with projects including:-

• $4.7 million to upgrade, repair and maintain the 1183kms of roads and bridges across the shire.
• $450,000 to construct the Dartmouth Splash Park
• $480,000 to construct the Corryong Skate Park “The proposed rate increase of 2.75 per cent for 204/25 reflects our conscientious approach to financial management while adhering to the cap set by the Victorian government under the Fair Go Rates System,” Cr Whitehead explained.

Submissions on the proposed budget can be made via email at submissions@towong.vic.gov.au, by mail to PO Box 55, Tallangatta 3700 or by hand at one of the council offices.

Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday 25 June.

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 23 May 2024.