From Hilltops Council – Patrick Fitzgerald

Over the past eighteen months Hilltops has suffered a number of damaging weather events.

These have caused significant damage to our roads as everybody who drives on them knows.

The myriad number of potholes and disturbed road surfaces throughout the region have created major problems for the Council staff as they attempt to return the driving conditions to an acceptable standard.

The State Government has been generous in providing initially over $900,000 and then a further $5 million to assist Hilltops to deal with the situation.

Last week, the Council on advice of the senior staff allocated these funds to a variety of roads in the district. These funds will not completely repair all roads needing it but it is a start.

During the next few months the community should see an improvement in the driving experience throughout Hilltops.

Recently I had an opportunity to have an inspection of one of our outside crews repairing a significantly damaged road.

The work involved from initial grading, then stabilising and finally laying the asphalt is a complex procedure. The standard achieved under very trying circumstances is excellent.

Let us not forget the office staff who do the planning and the organising to facilitate the work of outside staff.

All Council staff involved in the huge task of repairing our roads deserve congratulations for their efforts.

Patrick FitzGerald

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• Local Council