Woods Point concerned over Walhalla Road downgrade

Residents in the communities of Woods Point and Matlock are expressing concern over potential access and safety risks following news that Baw Baw Shire Council plans to cease its contribution to maintenance on a 19-kilometre section of Walhalla Road, north of the town of Walhalla. The decision, reported in the Warragul & Drouin Gazette last week, cites that the road is “no longer reasonably required for general public use.” However, Mansfield Shire currently maintains this section of road—from Mt Selma Road to Matlock—despite it falling within Baw Baw’s boundary. Locals say that far from being redundant, the road is a vital access route for residents, emergency services, and high-country visitors. It also forms part of the Aberfeldy Track Historic Touring Route, a popular circuit for 4WD travellers, campers, deer hunters, and recreational users. The area, already one of the most isolated in the state, is prone to bushfire and flood, with few alternate routes in or out. A deterioration in road quality could also impact tourism and economic activity, which many locals rely on for supplementary income. Baw Baw’s internal road review prompted public backlash online, with many disputing the claim that the road lacks general public use. Community members are being encouraged to send feedback to bawbaw@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au. Mansfield Shire Council has confirmed it remains responsible for maintaining a section of Walhalla Road under a cost-sharing agreement with Baw Baw Shire, which has proposed withdrawing its financial contribution to the maintenance program. Council says it is working to understand the potential impacts and secure the best outcome for local ratepayers. "The 19km section of Walhalla Road between Mansfield-Woods Point Road and Selma Track is located partly in Mansfield Shire and partly in Baw Baw Shire due to the complex boundary line between the shires," a spokesperson from Mansfield Shire Council said. "The section is subject to the Boundary Roads Agreement between Mansfield Shire Council and Baw Baw Shire Council. "Under the agreement Mansfield Shire Council maintains the section and Baw Baw Shire Council contributes 50 per cent of the associated cost. "Maintenance was most recently completed in January 2024, with $17,000 contributed by Baw Baw Shire Council. "Baw Baw Shire Council informed Mansfield Shire Council of its proposal to no longer maintain the section. "Mansfield Shire Council is continuing to engage with Baw Baw Shire Council to understand any potential impacts and reach the best outcome for Mansfield Shire ratepayers."

Woods Point concerned over Walhalla Road downgrade

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