These discussions (that included an on-site inspection) centred on Sovereign Hill's desire to obtain use of most of the remaining public park and picnic area that existed between the boundary of the Historical Park and Magpie St (not including the Golden Point Lookout). The Association was against the alienation of further public land for use by the park, citing the loss of the well-used picnic/barbecue area (that had been provided originally by the community) and constraints on access to the Lookout that would occur if the proposal went ahead.

A compromise was reached, whereby half of the remaining public land along Magpie Street would come under management of the Historical Park, on the proviso that the community would continue to have/would be provided with access to the former Golden Point Primary School oval that the Park was seeking to obtain management over for use for over-spill vehicle parking.

The Association was reluctant to accept this proposition, concerned that it involved no guarantee that at some time in the future the oval might be developed for some other purpose, with the result that the community would then have lost out not once but twice in terms of the loss of community land. The Association was assured that Sovereign Hill had no other intentions for the oval, and on this basis the re-allocation of land along Magpie Street took Place. It now seems that the skepticism of the Association has been justified and a valuable piece of community land has been lost to the community, with Sovereign Hill reaping the prize.

Hedley Thomson - Ballarat

Peter Slipper was ejector seated out of the Speaker's seat and took flight. Bronwyn Bishop was parachuted into the job. Now we see an aerial connection entitlement legally existing to justify airborne tactics for the betterment of all Australians, and keep an eye on peasants at ground level. Being on time for a Liberal Party fundraiser is very important to raise money in a hurry to pay for the $5,000 helicopter bill.

Mr Cormann defended this with all travel being very well documented, carefully scrutinized and made public. Free road travel in a chauffeur-driven, nice car would be below most common people who are on basic wages - not $340,000 per year, nor taking $88,000 in overseas travel. For us lowly peasants, reducing entitlements can be swiftly, positively and unambiguously executed, but the gravy seems to linger on at the discretion and conscience of our ruling class.

Colin Holmes - Ballarat

I was most disappointed in the very minimal coverage The Courier gave to Kelaston on its Opening Day, to celebrate the completion of extensions. Kelaston Aged Care Facility gives care to many of Ballarat's and surrounding districts' elderly persons. It also provides employment for many, many Ballarat people.

The extensions to Kelaston enable it to care for 90 residents. We are living in time when there is a great demand for facilities such as Kelaston. The cost of these extensions was over 7 million dollars. There is a beautiful foyer, which includes a coffee shop for the use of residents and their families. The new dining room and lounge area is truly spacious, bright and airy. There are delightful garden areas for residents to enjoy.  Kelaston is undoubtedly a leading asset in aged care for Ballarat.

Mrs Ann Lawry - Wendouree