Even those delivering to the supermarkets et al: do they really need to go through that section of the shopping precinct spewing diesel fumes into the atmosphere?

I would not be the first when looking at the congested traffic going past, thinking that it must be possible to make that section into a mall.

I know that the mere suggestion of a mall will produce myriad reasons why it can't be done: the cost, the buses, etc, but a smart town planner thinking out of left field could achieve a plan that would overcome the many problems that such a step would create.

The first would be parking, especially for the light delivery drivers feeding the small businesses in the sector. The bus stops would have to be moved and people will moan that it is too far to walk, and those that always park in the section no matter how long it takes to find a spot, will whinge for the same reason.

Thinking about the cost. Well how much did it cost to build the new museum?

A lot of forward thinking has gone into projects that have been - will be- an asset to Orange and its people, except it would seem, traffic flow through and around the city to cater for a greater number of vehicles over the coming years has been on the backburner.

Mornington – where I grew up – turned their main street into a mall. I am told that the railway line and station was moved to create more parking. The cost was substantial but the end result justified the expense. Many other places have done similar development to improve their town, with great result.

In my mind’s eye I can see part of Summer Street with flower gardens and seats at various spots with shade trees: with people crossing at their leisure, enjoying the more peaceful atmosphere and an electric driverless shuttle carrying those that need the ride.

Dream on Bruce, the nay-sayers will chortle over the ramblings of an old man. Resistance to change will carry the day.

THAT old saying of "never let the facts get in the way of a good story" continues to apply to a section of Australia's media and also some community groups.

The recent audit of Australia's farms indicates quite clearly that Chinese interests own less than half of one per cent. Figures also show that the UK and the USA, Netherlands and Singapore own significantly more than China. The total percentage of foreign ownership of all agricultural land was just 13.6 per cent.

The recent hysteria about China buying enormous areas of our agricultural land has proved to be false and simply based on rumour and speculation. Australia continues to need foreign investment.

A MILITARY contractor, a computer science graduate, a man who has learned to speak seven languages and has taught English to other refugees. Can these be the same people of whom Peter Dutton said: "won't be numerate or literate in their own language, let alone English"?