While there are undoubtedly benefits to the city of Ballarat to relocate the VicRoads office, this in no way should impact on the decisions regarding the future of the Civic Hall.

In fact, I cannot see that these issues are related at all, and cannot help but suspect that this is just a red herring to distract us from the real issue the overwhelming, emphatic desire of the people of Ballarat to retain the Civic Hall.

Why the council and its officers have single-mindedly pursued a course of action that is so at odds with the wishes of their constituents is baffling.

There is an over-arching arrogance to this methodology which is breathtaking.

The council and its officers need to admit that they have steered this city on a course that is completely counter to the will of its people.

How many hundreds of thousands of dollars have been wasted, without one clod of turf being turned, and as the hall continues to dilapidate? Ballarat needs a major exhibition space and auditorium in the city centre.

We have an imposing, striking and suitable building in the heart of this city that with clever landscaping, retro fixing and the best acoustic technology, catering and staging facilities would be the envy of other provincial cities. Don't dare espouse heritage rhetoric and then demolish this marvellous building.

History will judge us by this decision as a city of philistines. By all means move VicRoads to Ballarat, but don't plant it next to the Civic Hall.

And don't treat us with contempt by trying to suggest this is some sort of a solution to the 'problem' of the Civic Hall.

Surround our re-adapted hall with beautifully landscaped gardens that will create a place of sanctuary for our workers, residents and visitors.

And get a good forensic accountant to examine the massive waste of our money expended on the ill-advised scheme to demolish the Civic Hall.