SUPPORT for Ballarat’s controversial new harmony roundabout is growing.
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A www.change.org petition advocating to keep the roundabout at its current location on the Ripon Street North and Mair Street junction had gathered more than 440 signatures on Wednesday afternoon – less than 24 hours after its creation.
The petition is created by local artist director Bryce Ives and is titled ‘I'm from Ballarat and I support harmony’.
Mr Ives said it’s important to reinforce the message of the project on the roundabout, which features the word ‘harmony’ in large, rainbow coloured letters.
The project has been condemned by locals who say the artwork does not comply with the heritage overlay area and believe it could cause visibility problems for drivers.
Another petition on the same website titled ‘HARMONY Roundabout Must be Moved’ had received 193 signatures at the time of print.
While Mr Ives said locals are “absolutely right” to question whether or not the work meets heritage requirements, he said it’s more important that the harmony message is reinforced.
“I think that when you look at the comments from people they understand the intention of the roundabout and the message behind it,” he said.
“That message is really important for a community that is looking out at a whole range of problems in the world.
“It’s not about aesthetics, people will always disagree on that.
“(Removing it) sends a wrong message to a community united around the message.”
Several comments on Mr Ives’ petition, from residents who live near the roundabout, also throw support behind the project.
“I live a few blocks from this roundabout and love everything it represents,” Lou Ridsdale wrote.
“I support what it represents and think it is in a great location, including provides a modern juxtaposition to heritage homes,” Jess Danko added.
City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates said the project had a “positive message” for the community.
The question is ‘does it do any harm?’,” she Cr Coates said.
“On balance it has a lot more benefit for the community.
“The really strong message is that we live in a very diverse city.”
Council will address the future of the roundabout in an assembly on August 3.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
