What Paul seems to have slept through, is that 3 years ago his Liberal mates in the Napthine Government launched the Ballarat Station Precinct Masterplan, which identified a hotel and other commercial developments for the site. Although the Liberal Government, like so many of their promises (not forgetting the Flinders Street Station plan) failed to do anything more than announce a plan.

It was the Andrews Labor opposition ahead of the 2014 election who committed $25 million to get the project happening if elected and we have kept our promises in accordance with this commitment. Two years on, the successful project partners for this $44 million redevelopment of the station precinct have been confirmed. Not only will this project breathe new life into what is currently little more than a gravel yard, it will create a vibrant commercial, transport and community precinct while respecting the site's historical significance.

As for the belated proposal of SOS to put the busses into the freight shed, I am reminded that the Mining Exchange further down Lydiard Street was once also used as a bus interchange, creating a fume-filled inadequate facility before common sense prevailed. Once we incorporate a well-designed bus interchange within the station precinct, I expect like so many iconic stations around the world, Ballarat will have its own world-class activity centre, offering transport connections, accommodation, public space and retail. Labor's well publicised plan will not only inject millions to support local economic development, it will support hundreds of local jobs, both directly on site and by encouraging more visitors to come and stay overnight, plus those that come to do business in our great city.

Geoff Howard, Member for Buninyong

I have had dealings with many of our elected representatives over many years, both local government (councillors), state and federal, and have found in most cases, the longer they have been in as our elected representatives, the harder it is getting access to them, and getting them to act on an issue that affects thousands of fellow citizens. They seem to lose the passion for their job the longer they are in it. I realise it is a demanding occupation and it is hard to always satisfy everyone's needs, but I passionately feel that a maximum of nine years is long enough for any individual to serve as a sitting member. I propose that local, state and federal members sit 3x3 year terms, and design a system from the outset that at each election, at least one third drop out, and one third come in as fresh blood. I feel a system like this would inject new vigour into our political systems. I would love to hear other views through this column as I feel it is a debate long overdue; to get rid of career politicians who seem to be more interested in their careers than of the electorate. I also feel there is urgent need for an enquiry into politicians' expenses and pensions as they don't appear to be asset-tested as aged pensioners are.

Keith Pitman, Alfredton

It’s about time Tennis Australia banned tennis player Nick Kyrios until be finds some manners. In my opinion, this bloke's behaviour is a disgrace when he spits the dummy on court when things don't go his way. It's about time tennis Australia stepped in and did something about his manners. Find some manners or find another sport because at the moment, you are rather a disappointment to watch.

Geoff Rundell, Ballarat.