Council Adopts New Road Management Plan
Published on 15 August 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council resolved to adopt the Road Management Plan (RMP) 2025-2029 at the August ordinary Council meeting.
Every four years, Council is required under the Road Management Act 2004 to review its RMP – the blueprint for how it inspects, maintains and prioritises local roads and footpaths. The Plan outlines Council’s approach to road inspections, maintenance response times, intervention thresholds, and asset management practices to ensure a safe, affordable, and sustainable local road network.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the plan has been developed following a review of the RMP 2021-2025 and community engagement.
“Three targeted engagement sessions were held in bushfire affected communities along with three community drop-in sessions held in Hamilton, Coleraine and Dunkeld and an online consultation portal was available for feedback,” Cr Heslin said.
The key themes captured through the community engagement include:
- Road Maintenance - grading schedules, vegetation, drainage and other defects
- Administration - understanding road ownership (Council or State) and how to report issues
- Funding - budget priorities and potential funding sources
- Application of the RMP - construction standards, fire access, heavy vehicle use and intervention times
Some of the key changes in the new RMP plan include the Road and Footpath Hierarchy - ensuring categorisation better reflects community needs and usage.
Road and footpath inspection frequencies and intervention levels have been adjusted for more consistency with risk and use, and better clarification and understanding of council’s responsibilities within the road reserve.
“Thank you to everyone who came along to our sessions, asked questions, shared ideas and challenged us to think differently. Your feedback has helped us fine-tune the plan, so it works for our communities now and into the future,” Cr Heslin concluded.
The Road Management Plan 2025-2029 is now available to view on Council’s website.
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