Inner city locations that once served as markets have had their day. This is even more pertinent when what is being planned is not local market but a regional livestock exchange proposed as the major market for western Victoria well into the 21st century. With beef prices at a record high and the quality factor a huge contributor to the future prosperity of Australian agriculture, it is not surprising there are many who have been vehement that the exchange must stay in the City of Ballarat. But few have stood up to have their voices counted. The Courier goes further and says sufficient investment must be made to ensure this is the livestock exchange for 50 years to come; adequate for expansion to meet growing global food markets and add to the 700 jobs it generates. The investment needs to be more not less. State of the art waste technology and improved transport links are two other demands that must be met to help allay local concerns. Planning around the residential expansion of Miners Rest must also occur concurrently to help that community flourish without affecting their amenity or prosperity.

But the concerns of the Miners rest residents still exist and it is hoped a ministerial  planning panel will address issues of noise and odor. The buffer of almost a kilometer at the proposed site also needs to be secured. The drawback is this all takes time. Already other shires are putting up their hands happy to thrive if Ballarat procrastinates.