The need for long-term planning for Buninyong
On behalf of the Buninyong and District Community Association I respond to 'Traffic influx concerns' (Courier, 9/2/17 p.7). The Western Link Road is likely to bring an increase in heavy vehicles transiting Buninyong in line with the policy intent of Ballarat's Council, the Geelong Port Authority and the Victorian government. We appreciate the issue being raised at last week's Council meeting as it may severely impact our historic, picturesque village. The significance of this issue to Buninyong was underlined late last year in a presentation on Ballarat's road infrastructure future where the economic link between Ballarat and Geelong was stressed. Meanwhile, on recent ABC talkback radio a caller commented, "Everyone knows the Geelong-Ballarat road needs duplication."
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But at last week's Council meeting, future Council involvement in the planning of a truck bypass for Buninyong seems to have been rejected out of hand as costs of "hundreds of millions of dollars" were claimed as inevitable, with little regard to the future and integrity of Buninyong. We think this is overstating the case. We only ask for strategic planning for a truck bypass to begin while noting that in Ballarat's CBD a designated alternative truck route to divert heavy vehicles from Sturt St. is already installed. Did that cost multi-millions?
Buninyong would appreciate that kind of strategic planning too because it is timely. We ask council to be visionary in its thinking and help us plan for the future. Our village centre lies at the foot of a steep hill and more heavy vehicles descending it will undoubtedly increase danger for all residents including both the young and elderly, as well as sight-impaired people who cross the road. It is about both safety and amenity. Buninyong has no permanent pedestrian crossing on its section of the Midland Highway. Not long ago the Association presented to a Western Link road panel forum. There, a City of Ballarat officer clearly stated that this issue could be included in Buninyong's upcoming Township Plan discussions to take place later this year. We would appreciate Council honouring this assertion.
Linda Zibell, President, Buninyong and District Community Association
visual disgrace
Driving up Victoria Street, (one of our main boulevards) recently, admiring the gardens in the centre of the road, suddenly I was confronted with what looked like a "bomb site". Locals will know I refer to, of course, the old Orphanage site. What a disgusting view at the entrance to our city. The remaining buildings which I understand are under a heritage listing, are vandalised to almost beyond retrieval. I also understand the development owners plan to build medium density housing on the site at a date some years ahead.
Developers should forget about "making a fortune" on their venture and settle for a fair remuneration. It is also about emotions, sentiment and pleasure which comes from a pleasant environment. How about low density housing, allowing for bigger building blocks, gardens and treed areas; maybe even a cafe in one of the historic buildings or a historical display telling The Orphanage and Victoria Street story? They need to do something which will beautify your town and make people happy, as well as line their pockets. At present it is ugly and shameful.
Lorraine Collishaw, Newington.
Mind the gap
As just a small sample, the gap payment for my physiotherapy under a 75 years old total care plan increased by 17.5% this year. My rates bill by 10.4%. My water supply charge by 8.5%. My sewage charge by 10.9%. I would like Mr Turnbull to indicate what figure he is suggesting for a rise in the aged pension this year. I look forward to something of the same order or are the large corporations going to get that?
John Hosking, Ballarat