The method of advising that the bus stop would not be used was to place a notice on each stop.

A PTV researcher rang to ask my opinion on the new service. My many adverse comments included that while there had been some consultation, I doubt that route two users knew of the cancelled service.

From the PTV website I read that Golden Square folk could use a service starting in middle of Golden Square and operating via Quarry Hill. This would be of no help to students attending Kangaroo Flat schools or people wishing to shop in Kangaroo Flat/Lansell Plaza.

There needs to be consultation as to options, if bus stops are to be closed, many residents will be adversely effected.  

I refer to Colin Burns' letter to the editor (“Stan Liacos’s plaudits undeserved”, January 28) concerning the 10-year career of Stan Liacos as director of city futures with the City of Greater Bendigo.

Whilst I respect Mr Burns’ right to express his opinions, I feel compelled to challenge some of the statements and provide more factual information.

The theme of Mr Burns' letter could be construed as a biography representing a maverick council officer doing his own thing without community support or council sanction. This is far from the truth.

Stan Liacos, as with all other directors, do have some delegated powers which can be exercised only after council approval. Such approval, for major projects, is required at concept, planning approval, detailed design and estimate, budget inclusion, invitation of tender, and acceptance of tender stages. The buck stops at the council table - nowhere else.

What Stan Liacos has been able to do is to convert concepts into reality using his rare set talents which attracts financial support from state and federal government, as well as local industry.

Stan had absolutely nothing to do with Hargreaves Mall project - it was the responsibility of a different directorate and the council of the time, which responded to the sentiments of the community and mall traders. I agree that that the result could have been much better and council reacted to criticism of the mall project by transferring responsibility for major projects to the city futures directorate .

The Edwards Street car park was one of the first major projects delivered by Stan Liacos and his team, under arrangements that mean the building will be fully paid for (including interest charges) in eight years’ time, after which it will contribute positively to council's revenue forevermore.

The Art Gallery has undergone two significant additions which has placed it as the best outside capital cities and a major driver of tourism dollars which supports employment in our city.

The Ulumbarra Theatre cost ratepayers a mere $3 million (15 per cent of the cost) when 10 years ago council was facing a bill of $18 million to achieve a similar, but inferior, outcome. The airport expansion some 10 years ago would have cost ratepayers $16 million without any outside support. We will get the airport we need for a mere $5 million.

These are all projects that influence the livability, prosperity and viability of the city. Sure, council has processed around $100 million worth of projects over the past 10 years, but ratepayers’ share of this amount is around 30 per cent.

We have achieved some bargains and much of this is due to Stan Liacos' vision, entrepreneurship, dedication and the ability to deliver quality outcomes at very affordable prices.