It is a very simple process to "prepare" a cost benefit analysis to support anything in business; take the Western Bulldogs sponsorship by BCC as another example. The benefits to this trip cannot be supported under any circumstances.

Austrian history and tourism have very little relevance to our city and are never likely to, let alone extending the trip for the mayor and a staff member to visit Belgium to review a waste control system the mayor has no experience or expertise in whatsoever; a point he recently admitted on air. The councillors have overstepped the mark and will pay the penalty at the next election.

- Anthony Quinney, Ballarat

OUR beloved Civic Hall is admirably suited for a tourism centre at the front, with caravan parking at the door and on two major roads.

Having attended every workshop, l was unaware of the lower hall demolition. The library link was mooted as an add-on later; finance permitting.

I suggest the main hall complements tourism with a series of booths displaying everything the district has to offer. A three metre booth is much more than flyers in a rack. Suggested is: Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle, Tram Museum, Anson & Aviation Museums, Sebastopol, Woady Yaloak and Ballarat Historical Societies, Steamrail, Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Lake Goldsmith, Ex-PoW Memorial, 1956 Olympic rowing and rowing clubs, Begonia Festival, Eureka Rebellion, M.A.D.E,  PM's bust walk, Lake Wendouree and Paddle Steamers, Tangled Maze, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Mechanic’s Institute, Woodworkers Guild, Quilters Association, Men's Sheds, Rovers Motorcycle Club, Ballarat Engine & Machinery Preservation Society, Clunes Booktown, A&P Society, Apex, Rotary, Swap Meet, new Eureka football oval, and all sporting clubs, Probus, Gold Museum, trash and treasure. Add on commercial ventures who would pay rent, like wineries and bed & breakfasts, Old Mill Markets. 

Shut down for 13 lost years as we couldn't find worthwhile use for the space. 

- Colin Holmes, Ballarat

THE right wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs, normally solid supporters of the Coalition, is bemoaning the big spending of the Turnbull-Morrison budget (Financial Review, May 6)

With all parties committed to significant revenue raising, voters can make a distinction between contenders, not on who will tax you less, but on how they do this and what they spend it on.

On the how of raising revenue, it can either entrench disadvantage or begin to remove it. Negative gearing helps investors, but not first home owners. Capital gains tax discounts and superannuation concessions also give the most benefits to the rich. Failure to have big corporations and multi-nationals pay their fair share of tax puts the burden on everyone else.

That is why The Greens propose to raise more money from these sources than either of the old parties. They are eager for a fairer, more equal Australia.

As to what the revenue should be spent on, The Greens are very clear that further investment in health and education is essential. Our economy can be responsibly transitioned to renewable energy quickly to optimise both the environmental benefits, but also in creating jobs of the 21st century. That's why The Greens support an ambitious target of 90 per cent of energy generation from renewables by 2030 and a doubling of energy efficiency over that time.

- Alice Barnes, Greens candidate for Ballarat