Oops, Forgot About The Permit
Despite her office being just one block away from the Lydiard Street railway gates, Labor’s Member for Wendouree seems to have no idea what is happening just down the road.
Or does she?
Two months ago, Juliana Addison, was quoted in a Premier of Victoria media release saying: “With detailed plans now in place, we will continue to move forward and get Lydiard Street open as soon as possible”.
Her comments were contrary to the Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll, who in the same 10 May 2021 statement said the “final design for the upgraded crossing is being developed.”
However, in correspondence to concerned locals the Heritage Permits office within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning ,(DELWP) confirmed that:
“…there will be no works taking place to the Lydiard Street Gates without a permit from Heritage Victoria which will include a robust assessment process including public advertising/submissions.”
The Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, said this raises many questions.
“Firstly, are there detailed plans in place, as Juliana clearly suggests?
“If so, why have they not been advertised and approved as required by Heritage Victoria,” Mrs McArthur asked.
The same question applies to works carried out last month to “…find and identify signalling infrastructure and underground services…?” (Ballarat Courier, 17 June 2021)
“Was heritage permission granted for the two days of digging works that were done?
“If not, why was this work carried out without permission?” she asked.
Locals have been told by DELWP that public advertising is expected to start in July.
“Yet, Juliana tells us there are detailed plans already in place.
“Either she knows what is going on, or she doesn’t.
“Given the public advertising and approval process hasn’t begun – it would seem that Ms Addison and her Government have snubbed due process.
“By doing so – they have snubbed the public and snubbed the heritage rules and values that apply to everyone else in the vicinity.
“Or are we witnessing yet another Labor bungle on an infrastructure project that will mean even further delays in this 405 day debacle?
09 July 2021