Still room for ideas
Like most Ballarat residents, l have followed the saga of the Civic Hall for years. I have attended community meetings, commented on proposed plans, read the many letters and Civic Hall articles in the Courier. Initially I was "a save the civic hall person". I just cannot see the logic of spending millions of dollars on one space when Ballarat is crying out for development on every corner, nor do I support the high density living concept. To all the vocal minority, who want to save the Civic Hall, and those who propose to the fill the space with as much as possible for high density living, take a moment and dwell on the town square concept; even if too late to realise. A welcoming relaxing "green city space" for locals and visitors; a city square where we can present and promote our community life and heritage. Ballarat has the beautiful Lake Wendouree and exceptional Botanic Gardens. A town or civic square could complement and further add to our list of great spaces, plus adding to leisure facilities available to Ballarat residents and visitors. It would provide a venue for more community city activity, and be a tourist draw card.The idea just gets better as I reflect on all the great town squares I have visited both in Australia and overseas.
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A paved town square in Ningbo, China comes to mind with an orchestral water light show, where locals come to dance and exercise; the Tai Chi is great to watch. Fed Square in Melbourne was initially extremely controversial, but years on the square is said to be the soul of Melbourne community life. My Civic Hall epiphany came after reading one the many letters to the editor. Unfortunately I was so inspired by the writer's vision I did not note the writers name, so whoever you are please write again. So, after many meetings attended, letters read yet I fear too late, I now have my dream for the Civic Hall site thanks to a letter to the editor. Perhaps by chance, the new plans will be held up at council and logic and opportunity will prevail. A town square, of course, paved with the bricks from the Civic Hall, what a perfect concept.
Chris Clark, Golden Point
great efforts, great success
The headline on page 6 of the Courier, 10th May "Begonia fest fails to draw in numbers" would seem to imply that this year's festival was less successful than might have been expected. Nothing could be further from the truth. This headline does not do justice to the great efforts put into organising the event by the City of Ballarat and the enjoyment experienced by those attending. Numbers can be expected to fluctuate from year to year and this small drop does not seem worthy of special comment. We spoke to visitors from interstate who come year after year just to enjoy the festival. The Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens were delighted to be part of this celebration. We sold more plants that ever before, with the money raised going back into botanical gardens' projects, and our BotaniKids was particularly well-received. Just ask any of the 3,000 children who participated in making of pots.
Raoul Dixon, President, Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
small number of teens to blame
Your article 'Teens largely responsible for aggravated burglaries' (9 May 2016) notes a concerning new trend in car key and car stealing incidents.
Much has been made of a rise in this offence however it should be kept in mind that they represent a small number of offenders and in fact, youth offending has continued to decline over the past 10 years. Most re-offending is committed by a small number, and the key drivers are family abuse and neglect. Breaches of bail are taken seriously by the courts and have consequences.
Ariel Couchman, Director of Youthlaw, Melbourne