A MORE than one-million-dollar project to improve the streetscape along Buninyong\u2019s main shopping strip is underway with contractors breaking ground on the project last week.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Local member of Parliament, Michaela Settle, said State Government support for the project came after her campaign for election in 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Buninyong business association came and spoke to me when I was a candidate,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was a project that they were really enthusiastic about.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s taken awhile but I think the State Government\u2019s investment shows we understand this is the heart of the community and it\u2019s important that it\u2019s a welcoming and inviting space.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo even if it\u2019s a subtle as leveling the ground, so you can sit and have a coffee without tilting on an angle, it\u2019s worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the planning process some locals proposed removing the bus stop, so Ms Settle ran a community feedback process on the suggestion.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat really mattered to me were the arguments for not moving it were more compelling,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us it\u2019s a great outcome,\u201d he said. \u201cIt will level the street, it will improve the amenity in terms of alfresco dining and give the residents a safe place to meet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t able to achieve that, but we\u2019re satisfied what we will get will be a much better outcome for the community and the amenity will be far superior to what\u2019s currently on offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see the inconsistency in relation to the footpath and people getting in and out of their cars,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a whole mishmash of stuff over many years. This is going to clean and tidy it up and make it better.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe businesses are going to be able to bring their business out into the footpath area, so it has so many benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n
The works along Warrenheip Street are being undertaken by Ballarat-based Enoch Civil.<\/p>\n
Along with the parking realignment and bus stop alterations, additional upgrades include new street furniture and trellis gardens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A MORE than one-million-dollar project to improve the streetscape along Buninyong\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n