Back to basics shows a need for firmer foundations
Roads, rates and rubbish remain the top priorities of ratepayers regarding council's activities. Recent state government studies show that "most Victorians want their councils to focus on the 'three Rs'; roads, rubbish and lower rates". They also want their councils to deliver the broader objectives of social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing for their communities. As to our roads, it is fair to say Ballarat has been experiencing a very traditional winter; cold, windy and wet. The rain is blamed for a number of issues, particularly the increase in the number of potholes appearing on our roads. I simply ask the question: Are our road foundations strong enough for our prevailing weather conditions across the seasons?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Driving around Ballarat, I noticed potholes are more prevalent than they have been for some time. We need to have roads built to withstand issues such as water undermining their foundations. I believe we need to review our road construction and ensure construction isn't a one-fit-for-all areas. There are many areas subject to flooding, or have issues with soil and stability of the ground. Solid foundations make for reduced maintenance costs in the long term. Added to this, can we be assured our new estates have appropriately constructed roads, kerbs, channels and footpaths? Construction of this infrastructure is the responsibility of the developer, and we need to make sure during construction, the developer hasn't used cost-cutting measures that may compromise the soundness of this new infrastructure.
After a period of time, your council inherits this infrastructure from the developer and becomes responsible for its ongoing maintenance. Council must therefore ensure the new infrastructure has been built in accordance with best practice so any issues that might develop in the future are kept to a minimum. There is also a need for council to introduce an App for the community to report issues relating to the location of potholes and other road hazards needing council's attention. As to our rates, I support rate-capping. Like all of us, council must spend within its means. The budget must reflect this and have bread-and-butter issues as the top priorities. Not one-off, out-of-left-field project expenditure that somebody thinks is a good idea at the time, but for which there is no budget.
And lastly, as to our rubbish, I want to see an opt-in, opt-out green waste collection with two different-sized bins. I believe a changed and renewed council must take a "back to basics" approach to review its role and seek to understand the expectations of the community, with the common objective being to ensure "value for money" for their rates. If we get our foundations right, the rest follows.
Ron Egeberg, candidate for the 2016 Ballarat City Council election
inspiring story
I shed a tear reading about Jenna Rathgeber, a brave and beautiful independent woman whose hairdressing skills wowed the world; literally. Sanctuary Hair & Beauty (and owner Nikita Morvell, in particular) should be commended for welcoming an employee into their team; that employee being Nikita's sister, Jenna. Ms. Rathgeber appears to be thriving in life and doing her bit to insulate our regional economy by stepping up into a very technical and challenging role as a hairdresser.
Living alongside a diagnosis of Down Syndrome hasn't denied her the privilege or the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with employment. She is an inspiration and a role model for all people trying their best to contribute to the community in spite of challenges; be they disabilities, displacement, or mental health issues.
Rob Edward Smith, North Ward, Ballarat City Council candidate
