From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 6 March

The non-stop bombardment of news – which has become infotainment – is problematic. Unreasonably, politicians and public figures are expected to be across the minutiae of a range of nuanced issues.

THE notion is an impossibility, however comprehensive the briefings provided by support staff and experts. Consequently, not all major decisions are necessarily appropriate.

Prattling-on when you are possessed of just enough knowledge to be dangerous, is one thing; but pontificating in an official capacity without qualification, or an in-depth understanding, is risky.

The City of Ballarat is at a critical stage in its urban and regional evolvement. A major conurbation, whose provincial importance is directly exponential to its growth, it is strategically placed to facilitate a large swathe of regional Victoria.

While there are those flat-earth believers who would have Ballarat remain a sleepy hollow, if ever it were one, its development and implementation of infrastructure is critical for the city’s long-term survival.

The quarter acre block – the expectation of every Australian home buyer post Second World War – has been replaced by compact housing estates which create a complex range of societal challenges.

Given its proximity and road access to Melbourne, coupled with its moderately-fast and fundamentally reliable rail service, Ballarat has seen a boom in population growth. A populace move from city to country.

Ballarat councillors and the city’s support staff are in an invidious situation.

According to Ballarat architect, Michael Moloney, they are administrators, not designers. They make decisions about buildings or housing estates from the perspective of compliance with the Ballarat planning scheme – not if the building is a delight, or the neighbourhood is going to be successful.

They provide design advice (for example deciding if council objects to how a proposed building’s ‘bulk’ doesn’t fit with the streetscape; or supporting how it to responds to the heritage area), but are not necessarily qualified to comment about architecture and urban design.

Michael Moloney said, “I can’t think of a successful project the city has commissioned in the last 15 years.

“The only one which has received widespread kudos from the Australian architectural community and design press is the Art Gallery of Ballarat annexe, but the gallery board appointed the architects, and council’s involvement was limited.”

The observation is not a criticism of councillors nor the city’s support staff, but a reflection on a system which no longer serves the purpose for which it was established. The demands on local government are convoluted and bare no relationship to the less complicated days of yore.

The future of Ballarat and its suburban planning is vital, with no room for error. Impossibly, councillors are expected to perform full-time duties in a part-time capacity. Over-governing notwithstanding, the time has arrived for them to work full-time at their job, and to be paid a market-value salary.

Still, there is much to makes us laugh – despite the vicissitudes.

I bought one of those new non-twisting garden hoses which comes with a 25-year guarantee. I stared for a moment, thinking, then said, ”I’ll be dead in 25-years. Please, could I have a discount?”

It was obvious from the expression on the face of the check-out person. Her eyes were turning like windmills. I knew exactly what she was thinking. “I’ve got a live one here!”  She paused for a moment, and then said, without a flicker of humour, “Sorry, no. I can’t do that!”

Now I have to decide who gets it in the will.

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