Council
24 May, 2024
Outrage over ‘upgrade’
The Somerset Council says a contentious road upgrade for a little-used road in Esk was part of a broader plan to link recreational facilities in the region, including the Mount Glen Rock Trail.
The upgrade of the north section of Middle Street in Esk has been described as a waste of money by residents and users.
The section is currently a gravel, dead end road, with five properties and a block owned by Somerset Regional Council.
The road ends at a fire trail, but is about to be sealed and widened at the intersection of the Brisbane Valley Highway to match the existing footprint.
Middle Street resident David Evans described the planned upgrade as not only a waste of money, but to the detriment of the local koala habitat.
“I’m not against progress but it’s just a total waste of ratepayers’ money,” he said.
“There are so many people out there with roads that need work. Spend the money and the upgrade on them, not us. We don’t need it.
“I call it the road to nowhere.
“There is probably flat-out maybe 10 cars that use this road.”
Mr Evans said the road is a good gravel road and residents have no issues with it whatsoever, with it having “perfect drainage” and only being used by residents and the occasional local.
“During the elections everyone’s sales pitch was to make sure ratepayers’ money is spent efficiently.
They need to keep to that promise,” Mr Evans said. Aside from the “waste of money”, Mr Evans expressed his frustration with Somerset Council, saying there was no consultation with residents, while questions on the matter went unanswered.
“I said I want some consultation and some plans because I don’t know what’s happening,” he said.
Another resident, Paul, invited councillors to a meeting on the topic, but only got one reply, from Cr Brieschke, saying she could not attend.
Care4esK president Darren Bate said he was concerned about the impact on the koala corridor.
“Koalas often cross the highway to get to the trees on Middle Street,” he said.
“The loss of any mature trees is unnecessary, and there are a lot on that road, and there is no need for more traffic along that street. “Koalas are struggling as is, with chlamydia being a big factor and it’s stress related. More change will just trigger it more.
“It would be really good to see a compromise happen with Council.”
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the road was being upgraded “to provide a safe and attractive link from the Esk township to the Mount Glen Rock trail”.
“This project is an important step in the development of Mount Glen Rock and its recreational facilities,” he said.
“With these upgrades Council will be facilitating the safe access for trail users to what will be the main entrance to Mount Glen Rock.”
According to Cr Wendt, $330,000 are being invested in this project, which was first earmarked for improvements in 2021.
“Council makes informed and considered decisions with the community in mind and we are always open to discussions with residents and stakeholders,” Cr Wendt said.
“In this instance we consulted with first nations people, Jagera representatives, to review the site and identify any areas of cultural significance.
“Based on this, Council has amended the scope of works to ensure a scar tree will be protected during the upgrades.”
Cr Wendt also said no more than six trees will be removed, including two koala habitat trees, to minimise the impact on koalas.
“We have done our best to preserve as many koala trees as possible and made the road predominantly one lane for the safe passage of users.
“In addition, Council has an off set planting program which, for this project, included the planting of several koala friendly trees near the site location. This occurred in 2023.”
A meeting has been arranged with all concerned parties, including Council, on June 14.
