Harrogate Road sealing about to commence

Harrogate Road played a critical role in the movement of public and emergency services during the recent Cudlee Creek bushfires. Approximately 1.3km of the road south of Harrogate remains unsealed and there is strong community support to upgrade and seal this portion of road.

Detailed design and planning for the Harrogate Road upgrade is nearly finished and the project is on track for completion in December 2021.

Roadside vegetation retention is a high priority for this upgrade but some trees (nothing larger than a trunk diameter of 1m) will need to be removed to allow a fit for purpose road to be constructed. Unfortunately some trees are no longer alive as a consequence of the bushfire or are exhibiting signs of die back and will be among the trees to be removed.

All of the largest veteran trees are being retained.

The timber from removed trees will be used to deliver the highest possible local value. One such example is the provision of firewood to the Harrogate Hall Committee as a fundraiser to deliver further community activities and projects that builds resilience and improves wellbeing of locals impacted by recent events.