Proposed Sturt St bike path continues to divide readers: Letters to the Editor

However, The Courier states that feedback on the proposed cycle path for Sturt Street is open till September 27.

It also says that detailed plans are not yet available.

Therefore the only information the general public can comment on is what can be gleaned from the few artist's impressions released by Regional Roads; a cycle path meandering through the central gardens.

When I pointed out to Regional Roads that these show the removal of several items of heritage value, as well as destroying the symmetry of the Victorian era layout of these gardens, I was told that these sketches are only an artist's impressions and therefore they don't represent what the final design will be.

Stuart Kelly, Ballarat

RELATED: Ballarat councillor Mark Harris labels Sturt Street bike path plan 'vandalism'

I'm amused by Councillor Harris suggesting the proposed Sturt Street bike path would become a "non-used, recreation path".

Also, as he noted, it is an "open air sculpture gallery."

Indeed, the Visitor Information Centre has a brochure titled "Ballarat's Historic Statues Walking Tour" highlighting this between Drummond and Grenville Streets.

But, as things currently stand, this "open air sculpture gallery" is essentially inaccessible, and the space already largely unused.

To enjoy it, one has to cross two streets - Sturt Street twice to get to/from the side footpath, plus the cross street - at the end of each block to move from one median block to the next.

I would welcome a way to safely move down the middle from one median block directly to the next to easily and safely enjoy that "open air sculpture gallery."

Perhaps that comes from a consultation about putting a bike path down the middle (which may or may not result in such a path), or some other initiative.

I agree there is reason to be sceptical about state agencies and their "community consultation" processes.

Developments around Ballarat Railway Station and the recent changes to the bus network, among other things, provide ample basis for that.

I would welcome any moves to facilitate moving east-west along the Sturt Street median to enjoy the statuary and other items of interest, and improve the accessibility and use of that space.

But it will never happen by shutting down such conversations before they can be had.

Barry Johnson, Lake Gardens

The state government is to be congratulated on its enlightened policy to provide a bike lane through the antiquated gardens of Sturt Street.

While this much needed modernisation may drag some worthy citizens kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century, for others it will provide a long-awaited modernisation in which the idle pleasures of walking families and their pets rightfully give way to the proper needs of cyclists.

And it is hoped that this is just the beginning of a much needed clean out of other relics of the past, of monarchist bric-a-brac and imperial aggressions well past their use by date.

To the far-sighted and those who remember the blessed pulling down of all those dangerous cast iron verandas in the '60s (replaced years later at exorbitant expense), here is an opportunity to finish the job in Sturt Street with a clean out of the ancient marble statues and memorial bandstands, offering wonderfully creative opportunities for the latest in advertising and neon fascinations.

This brilliant 'Ballarat Renaissance' can spread through Bridge Street and its opening up to vehicular traffic - especially trams.

Just imagine the life that will pour into the defunct old mall, and the boulevard grandeur offered to visitors as they sweep from Victoria Street, through the bottleneck of Bridge, to effervesce into the expanses of Sturt, devoid of its historic junk and overflowing with its newfound bands of happy riders of the bike.

David Thomas, Lake Wendouree

Submit feedback via ballaratprojects@roads.vic.gov.au

In reference to the proposed bike path winding through the Sturt Street gardens, Councillor Mark Harris uses the term 'vandalism' (Courier September 24) most advisedly.

The Sturt Street gardens are a key and foundational component of the 170-year heritage of Ballarat.

The recto-linear design of the gardens and statues are integral to the character and will be destroyed by the concrete path.

The indifferent attitude to this irreplaceable heritage reminds me of the 1960's when the Victorian verandas were being removed in Ballarat Central because of perceived dangers to motorists.

A much better option would be to utilise the existing side paths on either side of the median strip.

This would provide the safety that bicyclists deserve but not vandalise one of our most valued historical and visual assets.

Finally, I am bewildered why the Sturt Street businesses believe the proposal will revitalise this area given that historical and authentic precincts are a major attractant of the consumer dollar from both within and outside the city.

Arthur Shulkes, Ballarat

I write in support of Mark Harris's comments about the ill proposed bike-path.

The existing Sturt St Gardens are a treasure for Ballarat and there is nothing to improve!

If a bike path is required it should on either side of the gardens.

I'm reminded of my Great Uncle's, JW Henderson SN420 4th Light Horse Regiment, letter home in May, 1916 from London comparing the beauty and value of the Sturt St Gardens compared to the important streets of London and Edinburgh: "you cannot compare England with Australia.

I am quite satisfied that there is no place like Australia, they can talk about all their pretty spots and towns but they have not a street in London or Edinburgh out here that can come up to Sturt St, although I would like to see London in peacetime."

The wisdom of this young Trooper in 1916 is worth taking note of today!

Susan Meyer, Drysdale