No formal heritage report for harmony roundabout

Council’s harmony roundabout at the corner of Mair Street and Ripon Street North has upset locals, who believe the structure does not tie in with the area’s heritage overlay.

In a written response to The Courier on Wednesday, City of Ballarat’s manager (of) city services Terry Demeo said the project was not addressed at a council meeting given it is part of the city’s broader streetscape strategy.

“The treatment of roundabouts is part of the City of Ballarat’s broader streetscape strategy and are day-to-day operational decisions,” Mr Demeo said.

“No planning approval is required for installations within the road reserve and no formal heritage report was prepared,” he said when asked if a heritage report had been produced.

Mr Demeo said materials, metal work and machining on the project cost $5,000.

Local resident Nicole Sutton said it was “unacceptable” for works to be initiated without the production of a heritage report, regardless of whether or not the project fell under council’s road reserve category.

“I definitely think that’s unacceptable,” she said.

“I’m quite surprised. I will definitely look into that further.”

Ms Sutton said she has contacted a local heritage adviser to verify why no heritage report had to been conducted.

Around 20 residents, including Ms Sutton, gathered at the roundabout on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the legitimacy of the project with Mr Demeo.

However, the group left frustrated as the latter did not front up, citing a busy work schedule as the reason.

“It’s a shame that we had everyone there today on a miserable day,” Ms Sutton said.

“We’ll definitely meet up with him.”

Mr Demeo said he plans to re-schedule the meeting.

“Council has been happy to and will continue to talk to residents and other interested parties about the roundabout,” he said.

Several of the locals believe the project would spread the harmony message more effectively if it was placed at the site of the new children’s playground in Victoria Park – prompting positive teachings on the message between parents and children at a young age.

Works on the roundabout were carried out by the City of Ballarat’s parks and garden team.

City of Ballarat confirmed the awkward, oval shaped roundabout still meets visibility requirements when contacted by The Courier earlier in the month.