Sturt Street bike path divides councillors – City of Ballarat council meeting briefs

THE topic of updating Sturt Street raised a dynamic and lengthy discussion at the City of Ballarat council meeting on Wednesday, 21 August.

A question from the public gallery first raised the issue of the proposed bike path down the centre of the street, when he asked how many people ride on Sturt Street.

The questioner stated there was enormous public dissent to the bike path proposal when it was first raised, so much so that the Premier at the time said it was off the table, yet it was now back on the agenda.

Cr Mark Harris pointed out that the plan detailed in the media is a State government plan. The government has made council aware of it but it has not been endorsed, he said.

“While the council does not have a view officially, I think it is a joke,” Cr Harris said. “Personally, I think it is vandalism to put paths like that down the middle of iconic Sturt Street.

“We have a State government plan coming back to us which is directly what the Premier said wouldn’t happen.”

The conversation continued during Item seven on the agenda when Cr Amy Johnson said the community is outraged about the Premier’s backflip.

She said the plan is definitely back on the table with several elements of this project already out for tender.

Cr Johnson condemned the lack of communication with the Ballarat community on the proposed intersection changes and the bike path on Sturt Street which is now going ahead despite promises to the contrary.

She propose a motion that “council write to the Member for Wendouree asking why this project is now going ahead again and seeking insurances from her that the Premier’s previous promise that the project will not go ahead, be kept.”

In opposition to the motion Cr Belinda Coates said they are not completed plans, just sketches of how it would look.

Formal plans are yet to released and there is a further consultation period ahead she said.

“This would make the request to write to the government redundant as nothing formal is on the table,” Cr Coates said.

Speaking against the motion Cr Daniel Moloney said there are diverse views on the plan and the consultation process will consider all the opinions of the community.

“As the process hasn’t taken place yet this motion is premature,” he said. “It’s putting the cart before the horse.”

Cr Des Hudson said he had no issue with Cr Johnson’s proposal to write to the Member for Wendouree. However, he did question the second part of the motion.

“But the political opportunism holding the Premier to account might just be a tilt for Cr Johnson to have another go at Wendouree in three and half years’ time,” he said.

“I have no issue if that is what is what she is wanting to do.

“Perhaps the second part of the letter should be re-worded seeking clarification and sent to the member for Buninyong as well.”

Cr Johnson replied, “What nonsense, it is an incredibly simple motion and I actually take issue with Hudson saying it is political.”

In closing Cr Johnson reiterated this is absolutely the right time to raise the issue and was disappointed that it looked like her motion would be defeated.

With only Councillors Johnson, Harris and Taylor voting in favour the motion was lost.

Sussex Street parking petition

A petition containing the 26 signatures of all Sussex Street residents requesting the introduction of parking restrictions was accepted by council.

Currently with unrestricted parking the street is heavily used during business hours by local business, university students and hospital staff precluding residents being able to park where they live.

Municipal Emergency Management Plan

Council voted in favour to accept and submit the draft plan, which details agreed prevention, response and recovery arrangements from emergencies that could occur in the City of Ballarat, for audit to the Victorian State Emergency Service.

Go ahead given for annual report on septic tanks

The Domestic Wastewater Management Plan 2019 to guide the supervision of the municipality’s 3146 septic tank systems was unanimously accepted.

The plan will facilitate installation and recommendation of alternate sewage and wastewater treatment where appropriate.

Framework for things-on-wheels rolls out

A strategic framework, set over 10 years, to provide appropriate, accessible, inclusive and relevant skate, scooter and BMX spaces for tweens and teens was accepted by council.

Membership renewed

Michael Poulton, CEO of Committee for Ballarat, delivered a presentation to councillors, detailing the aims and actions of the Committee of Ballarat, before they made the decision to renew the city’s membership at the executive level for an annual fee of $21,900.

Councillors Mark Harris, Des Hudson and Amy Johnson voted against the motion.