Cr Chapman’s actions have opened the city and its council to ridicule and that’s unacceptable.

Publicly the state government will remain diplomatic, but it’s what’s being said about this drama privately that should be of most concern.

Cr Chapman’s passion for a cause is admirable, but the reality is a single councillor hounding the Premier’s office on a weekend and then heading down this hunger strike path will do more harm than good.

If the state government is going to take Bendigo seriously, council must run the Fortuna agenda with a professional and united front.

Such an agenda can only work if a deputation including Mayor Lisa Ruffell and chief executive officer Craig Niemann meets Premier Denis Napthine and convinces him of Fortuna’s worth to this community.

Fortuna would have been discussed during Premier Napthine’s visit to Bendigo last week but the serious fire at Dereel near Ballarat rightfully brought about a sudden change of his priorities.

The Bendigo Advertiser understands Premier Napthine was due to return to Bendigo this week or next.

The official approach is the only one Premier Napthine and his government will recognise.

Cr Chapman needs to realise the responsibilities that come with being part of a council.

When was the last time any council won a battle by using a high profile media stunt to embarass a government into action?

Mayor Lisa Ruffell showed good leadership in condemning this hunger strike late yesterday.