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WORKS on the Mair and Ripon Street North roundabout are expected to be completed by next week. City of Ballarat has been conducting beautification works on the roundabout for more than a month, with the project delayed through weather constraints. Council did not give a cost breakdown for the project when contacted by The Courier last week. It is not the first roundabout to receive a makeover in recent years, with City of Ballarat Acting General Manager (of) City Services Darren Sadler confirming the project was part of an initiative to improve the city’s streetscape. A local resident penned a letter to The Courier in June outlining their concerns with the project. “Overnight, as it were, and without any warning to residents or ratepayers, a “beautification” is taking place which is extremely ugly and out of context in this heritage area,” the resident wrote. “I am all for harmony in the community but the cash strapped council could address the matter practically. Ballarat is renowned as the Garden City and as such, a roundabout in this position, so close to the jewel in the crown, Lake Wendouree, needs sympathetic planting” they wrote in another excerpt. Works include the removal of existing vegetation for small plants, as well as the construction of two ‘harmony’ signs, with each letter a colour of the rainbow. A response to the resident from Mayor Des Hudson said “the Council of the City of Ballarat feel very strongly in relation to our leadership role in demonstrating that the City of Ballarat is a mature city which accepts and welcomes people from all ethnic backgrounds, religions, political persuasions and sexual preferences. We as a Council are and indeed as a city are very committed to the active demonstration of our preparedness to accept and welcome people from diverse backgrounds.” Cr Hudson’s letter did not address the residents’ concern on spending ratepayer money. Mr Sadler said the awkward oval shaped roundabout already met visibility requirements, despite recent works removing existing vegetation and replacing it with small plants. “This roundabout will have a broad community harmony theme,” he said. While wet weather has delayed the completion of the project for several weeks, wooden boards have been left lying on the roundabout with large nails sticking out of them, with only temporary poles and plastic tape separating them from potential cars and pedestrians. Works are undertaken by the City of Ballarat’s Parks and Gardens team.

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