It has centred around Melbourne and the capital's capacity to cope with the current population boom, a boom Premier John Brumby has said is the biggest in the city's history.

Part of that debate has involved something of a slanging match between Mr Brumby and opposition leader Ted Baillieu over whether too many migrants are to blame for the increased pressure on Melbourne's transport, hospitals

and water supplies.

Mr Brumby called for a pause on the growth of Australia's migrant intake, a comment seized on by Mr Baillieu, who said Mr Brumby was using migrants as scapegoats for poor planning of services and infrastructure by the Victorian

Government.

Although there is little evidence to support Mr Baillieu's claim, what ought to be up for discussion is population growth and how Melbourne will cope with a population growing at about 1000 people a week.

A discussion on population growth of Melbourne should also include regional cities, particularly those within a commutable distance of the capital, such as Ballarat.

Regional cities provide Victorian residents with an opportunity to experience a lifestyle arguably more appealing than for many at Melbourne's fringes.

But just as Melbourne grapples with a burgeoning population, Ballarat must ensure it plans well as our population grows.

At a modest growth rate of about one per cent, Ballarat's population would be 112,000 by 2030. And like Melbourne we must plan for this growth.

Already we have experienced difficulty with that most basic of needs, water. There has also been criticism of the expanded bus timetable that on some services does not have buses coinciding helpfully with train departures.

Be nice to cabbies, you might need one

Driving a cab is not a particularly well-paid job and the hours can be terrible _ lots of weekend and night work, particularly if the driver is juggling other commitments like family, study or perhaps another job to help ends

meet.

Taxi drivers need to be a tolerant bunch.

The drivers are in a vulnerable position and deserve respect as they go about their jobs.