$1.1m Warreinheip Street Upgrade Kicks Off

An election commitment made to the community of Buninyong to create a new refreshed, safer and activated main street has begun.

The Warrenheip Street upgrade includes new paving, street furniture, vines, trellis gardens and an updated bus stop. The project will create additional parking for the busy strip and activate outdoor dining. As part of the project overhead powerlines will be bundled to help the trees grow without excessive pruning.

Ballarat‐based firm Enoch Civil Pty Ltd will be undertaking the project creating new local jobs.

One of the key objectives of the streetscape works is to reduce the steep crossfall of the roadway and nature strip to improve pedestrian access and safety. This requires excavation and alteration of the existing ground to achieve flatter finished levels.

This will require the removal of six trees and seven new trees will be planted to replace them. The new plantings of 5 English Oaks and 2 Red Maples will be as advanced in size as practical and be planted into tree pits to maximise growth and vigour.

The V/Line/PTV bus stop on Warrenheip Street will be closed for the duration of works, with a replacement stop within 100 meters. The project is co‐funded by $651,000 from the City of Ballarat’s 2021/22 Capital Works Program, $100,000 from the Bendigo Bank’s Buninyong branch, $300,000 from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and $28,000 to upgrade the existing bus stop from Public Transport Victoria.

Quote Attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“I made a commitment to Buninyong to help upgrade Warrenheip Street and it is great to see the works commence.“

“I want to acknowledge and thank all the memders of the community who helped decide that this upgrade would retain the bus stop in its current location with a smaller footprint.“

“Additional parking will be great but I’m most excited to see how the new landscaping, seating and outdoor dining adds to this vibrant streetscape.“

Quote Attributable to Cr Daniel Moloney Mayor of Ballarat
“This is a significant project for Buninyong that will improve pedestrian safety and greatly assist anyone using local businesses throughout the township.”

“The City of Ballarat thanks the State Government for its contribution to the project and particularly wants to acknowledge the work of the Buninyong Bendigo Bank, Buninyong Business Association and the Buninyong and District Community Association in supporting this project and providing a strong benefit to the community.”

Quote Attributable to Ian Corcoran, Chair Bendigo Community Bank Buninyong
"For us it’s more than just putting up money, it’s really about speaking to our purpose, leveraging partnerships in favour of the community, building community capacity and aligning with our strategic vision.”

“Today is the culmination of over five years of discussion and collaboration with key partners. This project demonstrates what we work for every day and being able to deliver significant infrastructure improvements for the Buninyong community is extremely pleasing.”

“The significant win is that our initial seed investment funding of $100,000 has ultimately resulted in a $1.1m project being delivered in Buninyong."