Public engagement for the project was open for four weeks starting in May 2024. The project was launched via the media on 1 May by Federal Minister Catherine King and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson.
Letter drops were undertaken on 9 May for 75 nearby and impacted residents. The project has received feedback from the community through phone calls, emails, and the City of Ballarat’s MySay page.
In total, the design team received 7 emails, 28 written submissions on MySay website and 3 phone calls as feedback. An overview of the engagement received for the project on the MySay platform is shown in Figure 1.
The MySay page was very popular and received 320 unique visitors of which 34 people contributed (10.6 per cent). The fact that only 11 per cent percent of the visitors contributed indicates that the community finds the project acceptable.
Contributors were of a high standard and overwhelmingly supportive of the project and made a range of suggestions for change and/or improvements. As part of the design development, we will seek to incorporate some of the feedback where possible.
To view the full engagement summary report please click here
The requests included provisions for cyclists and pedestrians at the intersection. This is an intersection managed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). The City of Ballarat has already raised the need to upgrade this intersection with DTP and will continue to advocate for upgrades.
Several residents submitted on parking changes along the north side of Macarthur Street. It is evident that on-street parking is important to residents. However, the City of Ballarat has an obligation to cater to the demands of all road users and provide safe off-road riding for cyclists. Out of the various options considered, parallel parking was deemed the most appropriate solutions to accommodate the bike path. This option will retain one parking bay in front of each property
The project scope and funding does not include this section of roadway. While there may be potential for conflict between pedestrians and cyclists along this stretch, the risk is deemed to be low. The current path is 3.5 metres wide and is deemed to be of sufficient width. However, in response to this concern, the design team will explore provision of an on-road bike lane in each direction for this stretch of road and incorporate it into the design outcome if possible.
Existing pathways are generally considered acceptable noting they are of age and exhibit some damage by tree roots. Sections of existing paths affected by the works will be assessed for repair/replacement as required. The balance of pathways is considered out of scope and will be referred to the City of Ballarat’s maintenance department for inclusion on the replacement program
As part of the detailed design, a street lighting assessment will be undertaken, and new lighting will be provided according to the assessment.
There were also requests for traffic calming on Burnbank Street. This is out of scope for this project. However, the raised crossing proposed on the northern leg of Burnbank Street is expected to reduce speed of vehicles left turning into Macarthur Street and Burnbank Street.
The design team will investigate further traffic calming and crossing opportunities along Macarthur Street west of Burnbank Street. Traffic calming is also expected to make it easier for vehicles reversing out of impacted properties north of Macarthur Street. We will assess the need for line marking for proposed parking bays as per comments received.
The connection to the Lake Wendouree Trail will remain as part of the design noting the existing trail is used by riders and walkers.
Despite having a generous road cross-section and being a dominant walking and riding access route to Lake Wendouree, Macarthur Street has a lack of dedicated safe crossing points for pedestrians, and a lack of separated bike lanes. It also has a relatively low tree canopy coverage compared to adjacent streets. Residents have commented that Macarthur Street is a preferred 'rat running' option through the area and have noted that cars will drive through at speeds higher than accepted.
This project addresses a key missing link between Routes 3 and 4 of the Ballarat Bicycle Network and is one of the final sections to be constructed of a dedicated walking and cycling link between Ballarat and Wendouree Stations - first consulted on by Regional Roads Victoria in 2022.
The proposed draft concept plans address known local issues raised by community and implement a range of adopted masterplans and strategies for Lake Wendouree, including the Cycling, Urban Forest and Active Ballarat strategies.
The northern side of Macarthur Street was selected for the path alignment given the infrequent access required by the cemetery. This alignment also minimised the impact on existing businesses on the south side which require frequent access. Between Wendouree Parade and Burnbank Streets an on-road protected bike path is proposed and between Burnbank Street and Creswick Road a shared path along the cemetery is proposed.
The draft concepts below show the intention to provide:
Refer to the overview plans below or to the Document library for a detailed set of draft concept plans.
Proposed improvements to this section of Macarthur Street is to be jointly funded by the Federal Government's 'Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program' and the City of Ballarat.
| Phone | 5320 5500 |
|---|---|
| info@ballarat.vic.gov.au | |
| Website | www.ballarat.vic.gov.au |
| In writing | The Phoenix |
The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
