Buninyong street upgrades begin

A MORE than one-million-dollar project to improve the streetscape along Buninyong’s main shopping strip is underway with contractors breaking ground on the project last week.

The works will involve reconfiguring carparking along Warrenheip Street with spaces added, as well as leveling and widening footpaths and retaining but shortening the existing bus stop near the corner of Forrest Street.

Local member of Parliament, Michaela Settle, said State Government support for the project came after her campaign for election in 2018.

“The Buninyong business association came and spoke to me when I was a candidate,” she said. “It was a project that they were really enthusiastic about.

“It’s taken awhile but I think the State Government’s investment shows we understand this is the heart of the community and it’s important that it’s a welcoming and inviting space.

“So even if it’s a subtle as leveling the ground, so you can sit and have a coffee without tilting on an angle, it’s worth it.”

During the planning process some locals proposed removing the bus stop, so Ms Settle ran a community feedback process on the suggestion.

With several other bus stops in the immediate area, a majority of respondents wanted the drop off point near Forest Street gone, however, Ms Settle intervened.

“What really mattered to me were the arguments for not moving it were more compelling,” she said.

“I came and stood here for an afternoon and watched the kids get off the school buses. They were crossing over here with the traffic lights to meet their families in the park.”

Of the $1.1 million price tag on the works the City of Ballarat is contributing $651,000, the State Government $328,000 and the Buninyong and District Community Bank is putting in $100,000.

Chair of the bank Ian Corcoran said while the majority preference was to see the bus stop removed, overall the project was a benefit to the Buninyong community.

“For us it’s a great outcome,” he said. “It will level the street, it will improve the amenity in terms of alfresco dining and give the residents a safe place to meet.

“When there’s five bus stops within 750 meters, we just thought it was too many bus stops and wanted to provide complete parking up and down the street.

“We weren’t able to achieve that, but we’re satisfied what we will get will be a much better outcome for the community and the amenity will be far superior to what’s currently on offer.”

While streetscape improvement projects can at times be fraught with metaphorical potholes for local governments, City of Ballarat spokesperson Cr Ben Taylor said the Buninyong works were overdue.

“You can see the inconsistency in relation to the footpath and people getting in and out of their cars,” he said.

“It was a whole mishmash of stuff over many years. This is going to clean and tidy it up and make it better.

“The businesses are going to be able to bring their business out into the footpath area, so it has so many benefits.”

The works along Warrenheip Street are being undertaken by Ballarat-based Enoch Civil.

Along with the parking realignment and bus stop alterations, additional upgrades include new street furniture and trellis gardens.