A City of Ballarat councillor is facing the ire of a state government minister, following her opposition to two recent VicRoads projects.
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Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan told The Courier he believed Cr Amy Johnson has been more focused on her political career than the needs of Ballarat.
Cr Johnson was a vocal opponent of proposed VicRoads changes to Sturt Street, and lodged a notice of motion for the March 14 ordinary meeting calling for council not to support the changes to Mair Street in their current form.
Mr Donnellan said Cr Johnson was against the “congestion busting” Mair Street upgrade, similar to her opposition to the Mars Stadium redevelopment.
Sadly, Cr Johnson is more interested in building her own political career than building things for Ballarat.
- Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan
“She opposes everything that delivers progress for Ballarat and stands for nothing,” he said.
Cr Johnson was contacted about Mr Donnellan’s comments yesterday.
In a text message, she said “won’t be lectured to” by a minister who had previously used lewd language to describe a roads funding package to a female country mayor.
Cr Johnson refused to confirm if she had nominated for Liberal pre-selection for the seat of Wendouree. The Victorian election is on November 24.
I’m more than happy to take the minister up and down Mair Street to discuss the grave concerns the traders have about the significant loss of car parking in that area.
- North Ward councillor Amy Johnson, referring to Mr Donnellan
Cr Amy Johnson moved an unsuccesful motion for the Ballarat Cycling Connections Plan at the February 21 ordinary meeting, which included council condemning VicRoads for a lack of consultation.
The plan included controversial changes to six intersections on Sturt Street and the creation of a median bicycle path, which were later ruled out by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said council would not be distracted during a “difficult” election year.
“We need to maintain great relationships with state and federal governments to achieve our goals,” she said.
“This is not a place for a game, it’s a place for great success and standing very strong, bold and confident.”
Deputy mayor Daniel Moloney said any councillor seeking to bring party politics into the chamber would be judged harshly.
“It’s probably going to be a tricky few weeks of us to ride it out, but hopefully people can actually get past the political nature of the debates,” he said.
“If any councillor wants to nominate for a state seat they’re welcome to, and I wish them well, but I think the right thing to do would be upfront and honest about that.”
Liberal pre-selection nominations for the seat of Wendouree is believed to have closed on Friday, while nominations for Buninyong are still being received.
Cr Grant Tillett said if council is too “dogmatic” about issues, the possibility is that state and federal governments will choose other cities to invest in.
“I am disappointed when other councillors appear to be using council issues as ping pong balls in a political game,” he said.
“The risk we run is that they’ll take their money and put it somewhere else.”
