While we struggle to cope, let's not forget our companion animals.

The last two years (2016-17) have set records as the hottest ever. It's not even the middle of summer yet, but we are already seeing reports of highways melting and people are being warned that the extreme heat can be a killer.

PETA receives reports every year about animals who suffer horrifying deaths during the summer months.

Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods with the windows slightly open. On even a mild 30-degree day, the temperature inside of a car parked in the sun can reach 54 degrees in just minutes.

Dogs need their exercise, but in summer, it's best to do that early in the morning. Think about the surfaces they will be treading and try to walk on grass or in the shade. You have shoes; they do not.

Make sure they don't pick up any dropped food - it spoils fast in hot weather.

Avoid exercising in the heat of the day - some dogs will keep running until they go into heatstroke.

Dogs can also get sunburnt, particularly if they are pale in colour or like to bake their tummies. You can use sunscreen, but not the ones with zinc or salicylates as they can be toxic if licked.

Indoor animals can also overheat if they like to sleep near a window: make sure there is somewhere shady they can move to. And always make sure there is plenty of cool, fresh water for them to drink.

- Desmond Bellamy, special projects co-ordinator, PETA Australia

ALL credit and thanks for the persistent correspondence of Colin Holmes and Stuart Kelly (January 6).

They draw attention to the urgent need of assessing anew the potential use of our precious central city land, and deplore the possible consequences of poor decisions made in this age, that will deny future generations the prosperity and joy of a liveable environment.

It is of interest to note that those who have valued their gain, wish that such past visionary gain will be there for future generations.

The plans for the railway precinct is, as stated by Colin Holmes, "A political travesty, visionless and is not demolition by neglect, it is demolition of heritage by construction". I think that is sad indeed.

- June Johnson, Alfredton

THE annual plea for all except board riders to swim between the red and yellow flags perhaps sounds sensible.

The distance between flags has steadily reduced so only children and novice beach users could possibly enjoy the more usual imposed crush.

Competent body surfers are ignored and are forced to surf outside the diminishing designated areas to avoid the untrained crowd.

Time for a review of surf beach practicalities as the needs of all surf users deserve equal facility.

- Peter Ferguson, New Farm

I HAVE noticed the traffic is getting busier around Ballarat and especially near our hospital precinct.

While visiting the hospital on numerous times over the past few weeks, I have noticed a lot of older people struggling to get across this road when entering or leaving the hospital.

I believe it's time a pedestrian crossing or lights are erected directly opposite to the Ballarat Health Services, not only for the elderly but mothers with young children.

- Geoff Rundell, Ballarat