We need clarification
THE Courier (Thursday, July 14) once again highlighted council's failure to consult and follow proper processes.
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The issues are as follows:
- The controversial roundabout at Mair and Ripon streets shows a total disregard by the administration to observe our heritage guidelines and curtail its expenditure. While commendable, the harmony installation's placement at this roundabout is inappropriate. Why weren't council's public art committee and local residents consulted about the installation's proposed location? Why haven't our councillors acted to resolve this irregularity?
- The flooding problems at Miners Rest is another example of poor planning decisions by the administration. Again, why weren't councillors aware of this?
- The proposed demolition of the "gardens caretaker's cottage", a heritage property located in Gregory Street, shows again a total disregard by councillors Philips, Hudson, Innes and Crompton for Ballarat's heritage, and the community benefit derived from such heritage. Why hasn't council called for crowdfunding to support the cottage's relocation and retention as a community asset for our garden community groups? Imagine gaining community support, e.g., trades people offering their expertise to relocate the cottage and a community fund drive to cover the costs. I remind council that it's been done before.
- And, again, in relation to IBAC, why is it taking so long to investigate this matter? How is it that the Herald Sun (July 13) can name senior council staff yet no one's supposed to be saying anything?
The community needs clarification of these issues now. It will have a bearing on the next council election on October 22 contrary to what the mayor said on Thursday.
It is an indictment on this council, particularly those who supported the former CEO's reappointment. I believe many of the current councillors are 'asleep at the wheel' and not in control of council's direction.
Once again, the relationship between the councillors and the administration is under question.
- Ron Egeberg, candidate for the 2016 Ballarat City Council election
Save highway trees
WHAM8 (Western Highway Alternative Mindsets) is an incorporated group with wide following. We meet regularly to try and reduce the environmental damage caused by VicRoads' highway duplication west of Beaufort.
We have been campaigning for 20 months to try and halt the destruction of significant trees and other vegetation on the Western Highway. We still hope to be able to influence works in coming years to severely curtail the damage, but we will need help.
We meet regularly with VicRoads at an Environmental Consultation Group with some success over details (for example better provision for wildlife, ecological restoration, seed collection) albeit not having much influence over the size of the damage - yet.
We have seen articles and letters recently from a local landowner who is in the invidious position of having a four-laned freeway built through her property as part of the duplication. She has our sympathy. We are cognisant of reports she has commissioned. However, after receiving advice from our own highly respected environmental experts, we have formed the view that no option in the Mt Langi Ghiran area is at all suitable for the large construction VicRoads has in mind. The whole area is unique and worth protecting.
We have asked that engineers leave the current highway as is in that area, with some safety treatments only. With suitable signage, travellers will come to appreciate that a slower speed and driving more carefully is worth it for the sake of saving the wonderfully unique vegetation and the fauna it supports.
- Helen Lewers, WHAM8 Inc
