Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle will support City of Ballarat plans for Warrenheip Street and not advocate to move the bus stop, due to safety and amenity concerns raised by the community and the fact that many of the reasons as to why the bus stop should be moved were met by Council’s plans.
Michaela Settle asked the Buninyong community whether the V/Line/PTV bus stop on Warrenheip Street should be decommissioned and relocated 100 meters to the north, potentially creating more space for car parking, outdoor seating or green spaces, but impacting bus users.
A survey was posted on her website www.michaelasettle.com.au which required address details ensuring people participating were local and had one chance to have their say.
83 people participated with 66% saying yes to moving the bus stop and 33% saying no.
The issues raised as why to move the bus stop included that it intruded into local businesses and moving it would create more space for parking, landscaping and outdoor seating.
The issues as to why the bus stop should not be moved included local school students using the pedestrian crossing next to the stop to cross safely and the V/Line bus, which often comes late or early, needs shelter.
People also raised concerns about the elderly and disabled who use the bus stop for easy access to the post office and shops. The concerns raised were serious and could not be ignored.
The City of Ballarat has developed plans for the streetscape, visit mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/buninyong-streetscape-improvements. The plans are in the final stages after extensive community consultation.
Council’s plans include reducing the size of the bus stop to 35 metres, approximately half the current size, adding additional parking and a garden bed with trees to replace the large section of cement at the stop, leaving a smaller disability friendly section of concrete.
The plans would see a beautification of the area with landscaping and amenities such as seating and improved paving along Warrenheip Street.
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“I do not support moving the bus stop as local school students use the pedestrian crossing, elderly and disabled need a stop close to amenities and V/Line passengers, waiting late at night, need shelter.”
“I support Council’s plans for Warrenheip Street as they meet many of the concerns raised including cutting the size of the bus stop and concrete waiting area by half.”
“The $600,000 Buninyong Streetscape Project will see a big improvement in our area with new seating, paving, tree planting and parking for Warrenheip Street and I look forward to seeing work start before June 30 this year.”
“I want to thank everyone who participated and hope they understand why I’ve decided to support the City of Ballarat plans for the area. I’ve put all the feedback on my website www.michaelasettle.com.au.”
