As a long-term resident of Ballarat, I write to express my concerns over the proposed Ballarat Station precinct re-development. It would be difficult to argue the necessity of not developing this site and I applaud the Andrews government's initiative in doing so. However, in reviewing the current proposed plans, I see numerous problems which at best do not meet the needs of this community, and at worst will weaken what is one of Australia's most significant post-colonial heritage areas. The proposed plan does not adequately meet the needs of commuters, either in parking or functional access to the station. This development provides an opportunity to create a functional hub for local and regional buses, with adequate parking facilities. As residents and decision makers of this extraordinary regional city, we are the caretakers of heritage. The proposed plans override many significant heritage values of this site and the surrounding area. Lines of parked buses in Lydiard Street Nth will seriously dilute the heritage qualities of this extraordinary street scape. In an era of online shopping, the dramatic downturn of shopfront retail is well-documented. Offering more retail spaces is a major error, in light of the fact the existing retail spaces at the Ballarat Station are vacant, and have been since their inception. Using tax-payer funds to support the development of more retail spaces compounds the error. While a newly developed modern hotel or serviced apartments may offer an accommodation alternative to Ballarat visitors, the ABS Survey of Tourist Accommodation Victoria June 2016, document Ballarat's occupancy rates at 52.3%, a marginal increase from 51.4% in 2015. It is difficult to imagine a sound business case to offer further accommodation in Ballarat. The current development plans for this site miss the key requirements for this community to manage the projected growth of our city. A more focused and visionary plan is required to preserve heritage qualities while facilitating residents' and visitors' transport needs. I urge you to review the Ballarat Station Redevelopment plans with a focus on the real requirements of this community into the future.