It should only become a sensitive issue if one industry actually seeks to dominate the other - and unfortunately in recent times this has been the case.

After the Triabunna woodchip mill and site were sold off to interests at least ambivalent about forestry if not even hostile towards that industry, there was a distinct "them and us" attitude from both sides.

Such attitudes are commercially and economically immature because for both tourism and - in this instance - forestry to survive requires each to be secure and profitable.

The trick is finding the balance, not in rejecting the options outright. Even now in Hobart the - "absolutely not" reaction to a proposition that woodchips could be exported from Macquarie Wharf is most unhelpful given details of how this would be managed are not fully detailed.

The Port of Hobart has been a commercial industry for ever and here is an opportunity for that to continue while re-jigging areas around the hardcore shipping activity towards an attractive tourist area- both visually and residentially.

Tasmania cannot afford industrial exclusivity from any sector and it is important that elected persons always show a readiness to work towards eggs in lots of baskets.

— TREVOR COWELL, Perth.