Sebas pitched more trees and open space

THE Sebastopol community is being offered more trees and public open space as part of wider improvements to the area.

Pledged by Labor candidate for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, the plan includes $5 million for the Sebastopol town centre for trees, public seating, improved footpaths and a scoping study for a park.

Currently there’s no park in the Sebastopol town centre area.

“Sebastopol has a strong and proud heart. We want to make sure it has the community spaces to match,” Ms Settle said.

A spokesperson for the candidate said that the City of Ballarat had neglected the area and Labor was now taking steps needed to improve residents’ quality of life.

The $5 million announcement comes on top of $58.6 million committed for other works in the area recently.

They include widening of Albert Street to four lanes and new traffic lights at the Hertford Street intersection, a dual-carriage roundabout at Docwra Street, and an upgrade of the school crossing at Magpie Primary School.

“Whether it’s fixing the intersection at Hertford and Albert Streets, keeping kids safe at Magpie Primary or delivering better public open spaces in Sebas, only Labor will invest in the things our community needs,” Ms Settle said.