Robert, you would be well aware that you are not alone. Virtually everything about the structure of local government is wrong and this has its origins in the days of the Kennett government. Like the Tram arround the Lake, The Nolan Street tram stop and Walk Bendigo, ludicrous projects which are predicated on the disinformation of Bendigo's "thriving" tourism industry have come about by virtue of this spendaholic state government throwing cash at local governments safely tucked in the back pocket like Bendigo. Sadly what would replace a "scumby" Brumby outfit is a "fail you" Baillieau regime, some would say better administators but just as sinister. The continued existence of state governments is the issue at the core of nonsense projects such as Walk Bendigo.

Robert how right you are, but till we get a lot of councillors that will stand up to the C.E.O. and pull him into line, nothing will change I am afaid. They should replace the C.E.O. with someone with leadership.

Hear! Hear, Robert, Tom and Frank. Though there only appears to be a handful of us who receive publication of our views and concerns, be that by letters to the editor or in blogs - where it is necessary to state our names - I believe there is widespread discontent among ratepayers and residents of the COGB about the performance of the COGB in recent years, and with one exception, with all of the current councillors. The deafening silence from councillors re the CEO being allowed not to release actual costs of the mall upgrade, through lack of reasonable explanations - indicate to me councillors have been 'got at' and muzzled. Before the CEO moves on to greener pastures, unless the heat in the office becomes too hot, he will need to polish up a few things for his resume. Stop wasting ratepayers money on dubious projects, and some openness and transparency would be a good start. At least in the eyes of ratepayers and residents of COGB. I think some existing councillors have run up the white flag and do not intend to offer themselves for re-election. If not, let's see some action.