IT’S disturbing that the number of Australians currently fighting with extremist groups in Syria and Iraq is about 70, with more than 100 others here in Australia providing active support through funding.

It has been stated that many of the latter want to go to the Middle East to join the jihadists.

I say let them go - but for goodness sake make sure they can’t come back to Australia.

— ROBERT LEE, Summerhill.

Budget

Joe Hockey's “Shock Absorber Budget ‘' is like a  Model T Ford Car.

Shock absorbers worn out.

King pins need replacing.

Engine lacks drive.

Tyres no traction.

— BASIL FITCH, South Launceston.

Xmas spirit

TRAVELLING to Launceston recently I encountered a delay due to three vehicles crashing.

Traffic was lined up for several kilometres.

A truck driver pulled up behind me, dropped out of his cabin, and walked to my car. He said ``matey you’d be better to backrack, and go on the old highway until Westbury, as this delay will be for some time”.

I did as he said, and I wish to thank him for his kind suggestion, the Chistmas spirit does exist.

Merry Christmas to that truck driver and all on the road.

— JIM CAMPBELL, Ulverstone.

Sally’s ride

THE Rotary Club of Central Launceston hosted Sally’s Ride – Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge on  December 7.

On behalf of the club I would like to express our thanks to all those involved in making the event such a success.

To the entrants who rode in the various events – thank you for choosing to support us.

Thanks also to the many sponsors and media partners who allow us the privilege of running the event, with all funds raised from entrants fees directly supporting our nominated charity.

To the many marshalls and volunteers who made themselves available to ensure the event could proceed, thank you. More than 100 volunteers are required each year for the event to run smoothly.

To the police who escorted the 20 kilometre closed road ride, we appreciate your support and encouragement with the introduction of this event for the first time, thank you.

To our dedicated and hard working committee who have spent 12 months in planning and preparation, a job well done.

And finally, to the travelling public who may have been inconvenienced by the 600 or so riders on the roads around the West Tamar.  We appreciate your patience and understanding.

The contribution of all those mentioned has resulted in significant funds being raised in support of Resilient Youth Australia who are working with our local schools to support young people in our community.

— WENDY SUMMERS, President Rotary Club of Central Launceston.

Freight

THERE is a lot of advice given to the Tasmanian exporter on what they should aim for, however, there are a few main points to consider.

For Tasmanian exporters to stand on their own, it is important that the export port be Bell Bay, eventually without financial assistance.

To develop this we must establish a container port for empties and for this Bell Bay is best suited for space.

We must have competition to have a corporate freight rate to compete against the duopoly operating from Burnie.

The Coastal Shipping Act be allowed to allow foreign vessels to operate at their wage rates in Australian Waters, as was the case.

Steve Henty proposes only Burnie at what cost?

Using his argument that the TFES expanded for exporters in the first year will cost the taxpayer $25 million per annum in perpetuity, which represents a Present Value Cost @ 4 per cent of $625 million.

The Present Value Cost on a Bell Bay scheme of $11 million per annum for 3 years @ 4 per cent is $30.5 million.

It is obvious which the taxpayers should support.

— DOUG DICKINSON, Cuthbertson Bros Pty. Ltd.

Rowan

I WRITE in response to claims made by University of Tasmania Adjunct Professor, Michael Rowan, in the article “Change needed on college school system in Tasmania” (The Examiner, December 6, 2014).

Professor Rowan says “Up to the end of Year 9 Tasmanian kids are doing as well as other states, but after that we fall off a cliff”.

He then adds “I can’t find a single piece of evidence that the college organisation is doing anything, other than a very bad job”.

Professor, I am pleased to show you plenty of evidence that our colleges and their students are doing a very good job and that they are committed to constant improvement.

Are you aware, for example, that Launceston College, a college with a diverse student population, has a 76 per cent attainment rate for the Tasmanian Certificate of Education?

Are you also aware that a number of colleges are currently working with regional high schools to help them to trial Year 11 and 12 in their schools?

Yes, colleges are actively supporting regional high schools by offering their expertise and support to determine whether Year 7-12 has the best outcomes for students.

Results from this trial will emerge at the end of 2016.

This will provide valuable insights into how colleges and the Year 11-12 models work in Tasmania and this is the information we need to determine the best system to improving outcomes for our young people.

Professor Rowan stresses that school is a 12 year journey.

I am seriously concerned that his opinions will make young people feel that apprenticeships and college study and other career pathways, aren’t valued.

Young people deserve the right to choose their pathway and government needs to provide them with a strong education system that offers a range of study and apprenticeship options.

Let’s wait for the detailed Tasmanian data to come through in 2016 and while we’re doing that, let’s show our support for all our schools and students by valuing their collective contributions to our community.

— ROSEMARY ARMITAGE,  MLC, Independent Member for Launceston.