Clearly people are unhappy about councillors’ decision to approve a Bullamlaita Road quarry on Tuesday night.
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But nobody can say they didn’t debate and consult exhaustively on the development. Tuesday’s discussion lasted two and half hours, including one hour devoted to public forum. Several councillors showed that they were well versed on the issues (contained in a 348-page report) and had taken the time to visit the area.
The voluntary planning agreement between the applicant and the council struck underpinning Bullamalita Road’s upgrade had also undergone two exhibition periods and involved a public meeting.
We’ve said here on numerous occasions that many of our rural roads are unsuited for trucks, no matter whether it’s two or two-hundred. But in this case, a good compromise was reached, moreso than would have been achieved with simple section 94 contributions.
That’s as it should be given Bullamalita Road’s state. Anyone driving at the permissable 100km/h limit is risking their life given its narrowness and build-up of overburden on the sides. Like some others, it hasn’t received attention in years.
It possibly would have languished longer if the quarry development hadn’t arisen. Now at least dangerous curves will be straightened, the road widened in sections and better maintained. There’s even talk of sealing the thoroughfare but this is highly dependent on funds.
Having approved the project, the council now owes it to residents to properly police consent conditions.
TAFE breaks mould
The legacy of Leon Williamson stretches further than his 40-year teaching career.
As an influencer and educator, he was able to do something many people in the TAFE education system strive to break - a stereotype.
Some believe TAFE is an option following failure or uncertainty, a safety blanket many only turn to when there is no where else to turn. “This is a digital age…they don’t really engage in reading 500 pages of an eighteenth century novel anymore,” Mr Williamson said, vocalising the shift in students’ habits.
He describes ‘literature’ as medium embodied in online texts and habits. This uncanny insight chips away at the ‘conventional’ mould of TAFE educators and is a timely reminder for those outside university.
