It was a pleasant change to previous letters about the proposed project from the anti-progressive know-it all knockers who saw fit to put their misplaced opinions on paper and virtually insulted the intelligence of councillors and staff.

But this is not new to this type of person when one remembers the Epsom soccer ground, The Kangaroo Flat Recreation Centre, etc, where the final outcomes prove certain persons had it so wrong.

But let it be remembered, councillors are elected by the residents and provided they make the right decisions they will be re-elected as history has repeatedly shown us.

Overall, they are doing well now while the dedicated officers are not the numbskulls that certain writers would have you believe.

They all give worthy consideration to decisions after long and worthwhile discussion.

Well done Anthony Radford.

Because of COVID-19 many small businesses are on the brink, or have already gone under.

As a ratepayer with an interest in two small Bendigo businesses, I noted Anthony Radford's letter of Saturday, May 2, congratulating the Mayor and the council's handling of the COVID-19 shutdown.

His claim of positive and proactive council leadership were just words; high on emotion, low on facts.

Not one example of a council initiative or benefit to help small business ride out this catastrophe was stated.

Mr Radford claimed; "being negative is not a policy".

Yet he negatively attacks those who have genuine concerns and do not share his views.

Short-term, it crystal clear that the real heavy lifting has been left to the federal government providing billions through initiatives like JobKeeper assistance, and increasing other payments to those unemployed.

The mayor and council officers, who I suggest would mostly be financially unaffected by the crisis, and propped up by our rates, appear to have a different mindset to those in the private sector who have lost their livelihood.

The private sector creates jobs, others invent them.

Council has sacrificed nothing, and continues to protect its loss-makers.

Overdue council action is required immediately.

Council must lower, or waive portions of rates and charges, and reduce staff costs for a start.

Council must also attract more productive industries.

To get the city working again, hard-earned money is best left with businesses and residents, rather than councils or governments.