Have your say on Buninyong streetscape

THE Buninyong & District Community Association are encouraging residents to give feedback to the City of Ballarat regarding the Buninyong Streetscape Concept Plans.

The residential and commercial main strip of the town, and part of Learmonth Street north, is set to be developed by the City of Ballarat in two stages. Their aim is to improve the experience of pedestrians, drivers and those using public transport.

Scheduled to begin in the first half of this year, Warrenheip Street between Eyre and Forest streets is the initial stage, while the north-west corner of Warrenheip and Learmonth Streets is stage two.

BDCA president Gayle Adams said the group has been lobbying to improve the shopping strip area of Warrenheip Street, including the unusually long 45-metre bus stop in front of the new Buninyong Community House, for over five years.

“Now with the funding for this project secured… this is your chance to get online and have your say about this important project,” she said.

“The strong concern held by the BDSA, many residents and business owners is that the retention of the little-used bus stop in that location, in the middle of the business strip, would compromise the possibilities and potential of the upgrade works.

“The bus stop compromises the ability to do something special. In the new project, this area could be used for planting, al fresco areas, seating or other features.”

BDCA wants to ensure, whatever their community’s view, that City of Ballarat staff tasked with developing the streets are aware of how they feel.

“The Community Association has argued strongly for years about removing this bus stop. It’s little-used and is not needed as Warrenheip Street is awash with bus stops,” Ms Adams said.

“There are others just 150 metres to the north and to the south of the one in question. Feedback to the BDCA indicates that most agree, but whether you do or you do not, please take this rare chance to have your say.”

Stage one works include improved accessibility, powerline bundling, new paved areas for dining and events, increased and angled parking, a redesigned bus stop, new shady trees, planting beds, grape vines, public furniture, bike racks, bins and bollards.

Stage two will include a new drivers’ exit onto Learmonth Street, new parking bays, the protection of trees, ridding of unnecessary asphalt, tree planting, public furniture, bike racks, bins and bollards.

The project is also supported by funding from the Buninyong and District Community Bank and Regional Development Victoria.

Visit the City of Ballarat’s mySay site to complete the survey at bit.ly/3bsX2QL.