It pleased me to see the wonderful railway complex featured, but sadly next to a letter expressing deep concern for the authorities lack of understanding of this unique railway precinct's importance as a stand -alone hub of transport of people and goods. I have found past public consultation on further development has only been token, deceptive and rather insulting to concerned residents giving their time.

Ballarat and Australia has much to be thankful for in the early establishment of such a unique Ballarat Railway Precinct. I have a sense of wonderment at the history of this vast achievement, resulting in great prosperity. This early vision and long term development proved itself over a century and surely puts us to shame, as does the loss by neglect of so much of this incredible complex. Despite the efforts of local volunteers over many years to preserve it against vandalism their voices go unheeded.

The often misguided authorities and the developers constant pursuits, counter to the true value of this purpose built asset to Ballarat remain ever with us and a deep concern. Our public transport is vital for our future as in the past. This is one vision of our forefathers to hold on to. May present decisions be wise ones that future generations will be proud of.

June Johnson - Alfredton

I am curious and concerned as to why the council is considering putting in a beach area at Lake Wendouree. There are signs all around saying it is filled with recycled water and warns people not to swim in it or drink it. Are they expecting people to come along and just sit on the sand?

Liz Honeyman - Soldiers Hill

I have asked (former) Mayor John Phillips and Ms Alex Tascas, Ballarat President of the RSL, just why were there no red ensigns flying on the flag poles around Ballarat on the 11th of November, 2015?

As I wrote a letter to Mayor Phillips, telling him that in the book "The making of Australia" by David Hill, (Page 398) that in both the First and Second World Wars, Australian troops fought under a red Australian ensign.

The red ensign was also flown alongside the Union Jack for the opening of the new Parliament House in 1927. Then, in late 1953, Prime Minister Robert Menzies introduced legislation for one flag on Friday, 20 November -- that this flag was to be the blue ensign. When I joined the Australian Army in 1948 we took an oath to serve the King and flag, which was a red ensign.

It would be nice to know why Mayor Phillips did not take any notice and go to a library to read the truth of this matter.

Clive Dawson - Skipton

When one is not fully employed it gives one time to do things, like write letters to the local newspaper. Of course, to make it worthwhile, the letters need to get published, and on this point I'd like to publicly say 'thanks' to 'The Courier' - as our local paper - for printing all of the lot that I've submitted since I got the 'bug' in February this year.

I'd like to emphasise that this is not a flippant remark. With much of the goings on that we see, daily, across our planet, the importance of a free press and the opportunity for people to freely express their opinions publicly, within reasonable bounds of legality and fairness, really cannot be overstated.

Ballarat is the home of the Eureka Rising, a battle that cost a small number of lives (especially in comparison to similar 'revolutions' overseas) but which has had widespread ramifications in terms of the creation of our privileged Australian way of life. This position has not come about by accident. The freedom to express views must always be an inviolate part of our society's operations.

So, again, 'thank you', sincerely, to 'The Courier', and to those people who have considered my contributions worthwhile as part of the public debate!

Hedley Thompson - Canadian