Our city has a great deal of untapped potential to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and to create more jobs and meaningful participation in community. By improving our green credentials we can inspire innovation and prosperity. Key sectors to focus on with significant potential for economic growth, social and environmental benefits include:

I'm focussed on building the green credentials of our city to create jobs for the future. We have enormous opportunities to increase green and local food jobs. Ballarat is extremely well placed to gain a competitive edge and become a leader in creating economic, social and environmental value for our residents. We already have Ballarat West Employment Zone in place and Innovation Centre planned. These will act as a magnet for green industry and jobs. The Ballarat region produces some of our local food needs but still has plenty of capacity. The digital revolution, technological change and environmental pressures mean that we live in a rapidly changing world. Together we can create a more liveable city that our future generations will thank us for.

Belinda Coates, Central ward candidate

I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by John Barnes in a letter published in The Courier on Saturday 24th September.

I too, am very concerned about the proposed redevelopment of the historic Ballarat railway precinct and urge the citizens of Ballarat to speak up and lobby both the state minister for planning and the Ballarat City councillors to reconsider this proposal.

It is imperative that the City of Ballarat has a master plan which allows for future growth and increased use of public transport.

As Mr Barnes stated in his letter, "We have a proposal before us which puts the commercial ahead of transport and heritage imperatives".

The historic Ballarat railway precinct is a vital transport hub.

It should be developed to connect trains, buses and cars, to allow people from Ballarat, Melbourne, the region and overseas to conveniently arrive at and depart from the heart of our city.

Maureen (Min) Myers, Lake Wendouree

The reasoning behind the 'transparent' decision to outsource the Meals on Wheels contract to a Dandenong-based catering company was one of quality improvement.

I've worked in aged care and after having spoken with tens of recipients in Wendouree and Alfredton this week, who've complained of smaller portion sizes and tasteless pre-packaged lunches, I remain unconvinced of the need to outsource a contract that had been a part of the Ballarat economy for 47 years under the helm of Ballarat Health Services.

If the City of Ballarat were so concerned about meal quality, why didn't they take the reins of the service and invest more to improve food quality and portion sizing alongside BHS (or another Ballarat-based applicant)?