Some action must be taken to seek explanations from the City of Greater Bendigo and its council as to the justification in deciding to keep the final cost of the mall upgrade secret.

It appears to me the obvious reason is to simply keep an unpalatable truth from the ratepayers and residents.

But why?

Surely we have been prepared for a reasonably soft landing, or could there still be more bad news in relation to budget blow-outs?

It may be there are justified reasons that are beyond my thought process.

If so, please explain.

There are a total of nine duly elected councillors – not employees of the City – who are supposed to represent the residents of their wards.

Why is there virtual silence from them?

I suspect there are large numbers of ratepayers and/or residents who would like to know from their councillors whether he or she is going to permit the City of Greater Bendigo to not disclose the facts in relation to the cost of the Hargreaves Mall.

If not, what do the councillors intend to do?

If so, why have the councillors allowed themselves to remain silent?

Could I suggest the Bendigo Advertiser offer the mayor, Cr Rod Campbell, and each of the other eight councillors, along with the CEO Mr Niemann, to explain the rationale on this issue.

COLIN CARRINGTON,

Heathcote