The Agricultural Society says; “Yes, let's erect buildings, toilet blocks, animal yards, car parks then let others have it when it doesn't suit. Sounds a lot like society today. No thanks.

Just because the Ballarat City Council has done nothing with the south east corner of the Park doesn't mean we need an invasion of self-interested groups.

Victoria Park was originally vested to the City of Ballaarat by the Victorian Government as a restricted Crown Grant in 1888 "for the purpose of a public park and offices and convenience connected therewith and for no other purpose whatsoever"; i.e. not for groups with their own agendas.

Robert Scott - Newington

There's nothing quite like the anticipation and excitement in the lead up to and on the day of the AFL Grand Final. No matter which team your barrack for, or if you like the AFL at all, the spirit the occasion brings to Melbourne and the state is undeniable.

Whether it's travelling to a mate's place to watch the game or heading to a pub to celebrate with friends, there are a lot of choices to be made.

However, few choices are as important as the ones you make when it comes to responsible drinking and keeping yourself and your friends and family safe.

We realise that alcohol will be involved in a lot of celebrations across the state, but it's vitally important to make sure that if you are having a few drinks that you've organised a safe way home.

Whether you have a designated driver, intend to use public transport or a taxi, no plans are complete without a way home.

It's also important to make sure that if you've chosen to walk from venue to venue that you're looking after yourself and your friends.

Unfortunately 27 pedestrians have been killed so far this year. Drivers also need to take extra care when driving through a high-pedestrian traffic areas.

Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing, Doug Fryer 

Treasurer Mr Scott Morrison launches his version of the three word slogans: work, save, and invest, because the economy has a revenue and spending problem. Presupposing the Government will reduce unemployment sufficiently enough to provide meaningful work with adequate wages.

Invest in what? Superannuation will be the only opportunity for most workers but the law often changes, resulting in the risks being too high. The Government continue to balance the budget by attacking the debit column of the ledger, blaming working Australian's demanding realistic wages and working conditions. The Treasurer chooses to inflate the budget by increasing taxes, reducing workers wages and condemning underprivileged Australians.

Their first consideration is increase the GST by up to 50%. This action would be unnecessary if the holes in the budget were sealed. The holes are such measures as: negative gearing, superannuation tax exemptions, salary sacrifice, family trusts and religious individuals claiming tax evasion on their private residences, to name a few.

Fill these holes and only then will the Government be aware of the "true" deficit. I am of the opinion that if the holes were closed the alleged deficit would become a surplus and no more threats to working Australians would be required.

The Government resembles the doctor who claimed to have had the cure for the common cold. He cut the Patients throat.

Wally Reynolds,

Tasmania