It takes a serious issue to unite very different political groups. However, the nationwide 30 per cent cuts to CLCs like our Central Highlands Community Legal Centre, which are due to kick in on 1 July 2017, are deadly serious.

Every day CLCs offer free legal advice to people who cannot afford it themselves, on issues as diverse as family violence, welfare, employment and tenancy.

Even before the cuts, the nation's CLCs are being forced to turn people away each year due to overcapacity issues.

It is not too late for Prime Minister Turnbull to step in and reverse these cuts before they occur, and before the impact is felt nationwide.

I urge the government to listen to the Senate and the concerns of the Opposition and crossbenchers. He must overrule his Attorney-General in what is nothing short of a vendetta against the provision of free legal services in this country.

Catherine King MP, Federal Member for Ballarat

The green light for the Lal law wind farm shows the strengthened Victorian Climate Change Act and Andrews government policy of 40% renewables by 2025 is already having an impact.

Construction of a new wind farm--that will power 110,000 homes--is excellent news. The region's economy will be buoyed by the $400 million project, the employment of 192 people during construction, as well as 18 people for the 25-year life of the project.

Victoria is off to a good start when it comes to tackling climate change. With the Turnbull government failing to take climate change seriously, it's essential for Premier Daniel Andrews to build on these positive first steps by investing in climate solutions in the upcoming budget.

Leigh Ewbank, Act on Climate coordinator

Friends of the Earth

A Railway Station is not a shopping centre, it is not an area for entertainment and general recreation. It's unique purpose is to provide a safe place for people on the move, coming or going to other places, or the greeting of people in transit. It does not need to be turned into a hub of excitement with grand visions of private enterprise with lots of retail. A railway precinct has it's own excitement and history which could be enhanced only by improved rail travel, by preservation and a possible museum.

The pandering to speculators and developers is a road to disaster for Ballarat and its future. Where it has happened in some towns it has only spoiled the atmosphere, it gains little. There is a role for retail activity in a limited capacity.

The current station has for over one hundred years provided a splendid service for all the needs of travellers, good food and other amenities for comfortable travel. It is of great concern that the people who have spoken thee proposed changes have not been listened to.

June Johnson Alfredton.

I was interested to see the media recently about pay day lenders that are a charging people a fortune in high interest fees when they take out a loan. I would like to see the Federal Government crack down on these pay day lenders preying on the vulnerable. They are the people who can least afford it these so called “smart loans”.

Geoff Rundell, Ballarat