From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 21 November

The Labor State Government is to be applauded for providing the necessary funding to light the perimeter of Lake Wendouree. Clearly, the notion resonated with the public and proved a vote-winning promise at the last election. 

HOWEVER, what is politically expedient today may not be what is best for 30 years hence. The approval for 225, five-metre-tall aluminium light poles defies logic. We should proceed with caution.

The decision to proceed, regardless, is regrettable, on several counts, not least for a lack of genuine community consensus. Anecdotally, many are surprised. Such a major decision deserves further debate and should be a reflection of the common will of the majority and not a satiating display of ego, or political control. Nor should it proceed for fear of losing face with the State Government; or because it has been going-on for too long! Certainly, its implementation should not be accelerated to guarantee short-term vote-winning at any looming state election.

The State Government’s new draconian planning legislation, which unequivocally precludes projects under $10-million being referred to VCAT for judgement, is deeply disturbing and should distress those who value democracy. Incredulously, the voice of the community is no longer part of the decision process – however moderate and academically informed.

Vexatious objectors notwithstanding, there are many knowledgeable moderates whose voice has a right to be heard, irrespective of the development cost. A disinclination to hear and heed those voices is cause for disquiet.

At its best, consensus is problematic; however, it is the corner stone of a modern democracy and it demands due respect. Equally, compromise, with all its vicissitudes, is imperative. Accepting there must, always, be a final outcome, it should not, in the best interests of the community and good government, run contrapuntal to the voice of the majority. The implacability of one elected incumbent is not solid cause for implementation; nor does it necessarily constitute good government.

The implementing of infrastructure should not be the consequence of self-aggrandisement, nor should it be viewed as a certain pathway to the longevity of a political career. Belligerent determination and voter compatibility sit at opposite ends of the political spectrum. Government works best when both are in harmony.

Concerningly, and despite protestations to the contrary, significant ecological questions remain unanswered. The welfare and survival of the nocturnal animals, water birds, insects, and the trees, has not been given appropriate consideration. The report is inadequate.

In fierce defence of, and concern for, the moths, spiders, dragonflies and mudeyes, countless insects, frogs, lizards, small bats, nankeen night herons, tawny frogmouths, barn and boobook owls, rakalis, possums, gliders, and bats, further conservational analysis is imperative. Ecosystems are fragile and easily imbalanced. Over millennia, animals have been genetically programmed to hunt, breed, build nests, and to forage and care for their young at night. The potential causative damage from this audacious plan has not been satisfactorily quantified. Recovery from damage will be problematic.

Mindful the majority of the nine City of Ballarat councillors were, at times and if allowed their will, prepared to raze the Civic Hall and to construct a bicycle track through the centre of the Sturt Street boulevard, is good cause for the voice of the concerned moderates to heard, and heeded!

None of us has a monopoly on good ideas, and election to public office does not, by osmosis endow incumbents with the wisdom of Solomon. While governing by committee is impossible, there are many moderate residents whose points of view, and concerns, should be part of the democratic process.

To brazenly render impotent the voice of the people, and to place absolute power into the hands of a small, select group, is a folly.

It marks the first step on a very slippery and dangerous slide.

Roland can be heard with Brett Macdonald each Monday at 10.45am on 3BA and contacted via [email protected].