THE Lake Charm rest stop, where several vehicles, including heavy trucks, have been bogged in recent weeks, is set to be graded.
The unsealed area, which adjoins the Beau Morton Reserve just north of the town, has been a long-term issue for local residents.
The problem of maintenance is complicated by the fact that several agencies have a stake in different sections of the area.
In a letter to the Gannawarra Times in August, former councillor Neil Gannon wrote that a standoff between groups had been continuing for more than 25 years.
“The whole thing became a political football with the umpire walking away with the ball,” he said.
However, last week the Department of Transport’s northern region director, Brian Westley, said the relevant agencies were working together on the problem and in the meantime would grade the rest stop road.
“We are continuing to work with DELWP, Gannawarra Shire, Goulburn Murray Water and the community to determine how we can best manage this facility in the long term,” he said.
“While these discussions continue, we will undertake maintenance grading in the rest stop to improve the facility for users who need to stop and take a break to keep driving safely.”
Lake Charm Landcare secretary Gaby Hogg welcomed news of the work.
She said the group had adopted a section of the Murray Valley Highway from south of Lake Charm to Kangaroo Lake under the Adopt a Highway scheme about 15 years ago
“There has been ongoing work by the community there and it will be good for it to be complemented,” she said.
“The community looks forward to working together with the various stakeholders.”
Regional Roads Victoria said the grading of the road would be subject to weather conditions.
