From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 29 August

News of the proposal to tamper with the lay-out of Sturt Street Boulevard should be viewed with concern by everyone living in Ballarat.

STURT Street is one of the most magnificent Boulevards in Australia. While it cannot hold a candle to the Champs-Élysées in Paris; the Mall in London; the Unter den Linden in Berlin; or even St Kilda Road (which is slowly being destroyed), it is, for its size and geographical location, deserving of public protection, and special consideration. It is very beautiful, and magnificently maintained by the City of Ballarat gardeners. They are to be applauded for their efforts, particularly at Christmas.

The artist’s impression is most impressive; however, like all impression, it is not the real thing. The Cambridge online dictionary defines impression as: (noun) an idea or opinion of what something or someone is like. With the best will in the world, an impression is rather like a translation: it is, by definition, inaccurate. That is not to suggest the artist has chosen, wittingly, to mislead the viewer; however, the impression is so idealised (the ladies and gentlemen appear to be strolling leisurely and wearing hats), one was tempted to visually sweep across the environs searching-out bunnies prancing and leaping in the sunshine, and fawns peeping-out playfully from behind trees. Delightful as it is, the impression is very much in the purview of Enid Blyton. The proposal to cut a swathe through the existing garden area needs a great deal more consideration, community discussion, and explanation.

The government plan for a cycle track is not outrageous; however, it would be interesting to know the estimated usage of such a track, and its final worth. Is there a large enough CBD workforce; and do they want, or need, a cycle track to transport them to and from their places of employment? The winter months in Ballarat are bitter and conducive only to the most hardened enthusiasts. Also, the proposal to amalgamate a walking and cycling track is fraught with real danger. Cyclists and pedestrians, like trains and traffic at railways crossings, are utterly incompatible. A sudden side-step into the path of a moving bicycle could have catastrophic consequences, and regardless of the degree of care and awareness, it happens in a split-second. I was involved in a near collision while walking on the footpath between the Ballarat Group Practice and Ballarat Oncology and Haematology in Howitt Street, Wendouree.

It could be argued that Ballarat has, more by good luck than good management, retained much of its architectural integrity and its rich historic heritage. It is one of Australia’s most beautiful regional cities, and one of the prettiest I have seen anywhere in the world. Do not tamper carelessly, or frivolously. Any drastic alteration to its integrity creates a dangerous precedent for the future.  It becomes impossible to argue to the contrary and difficult to offer a solid defence for its survival. The Sturt Street Boulevard, and I have not once seen it referred to as such, needs to be bastardised with the greatest caution. Once something has been altered it is difficult, despite the best efforts, to restore its original charm and magic. The history of the Sturt Street Boulevard is the history of Ballarat, and all that is represents in the annals of the state. We are, in this country, too willing to sweep away what has gone before in a vain attempt to be ‘more modern’. It is the combination of the past, the present, and the future, which makes us what we are. The Sturt Street Boulevard is a gem. Everyone would be well advised to hasten slowly in the rush to diminish its worth to the city, its people, and the generations who will follow after.

Roland can be heard every Monday morning – 10.30 – on radio 3BA and contacted via [email protected].