Petrol
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I AM writing to you to in regards to the fuel enquiry.
What a laugh when I read that they are only allowed to name and shame these companies.
There is a service station in Launceston where they seem to charge what they like, at the present it is $1.45 and it has been as high as $1.50.
This has been like this for a long time. Why has nothing been done to these petrol stations before now.
I won't hold my breath that the prices will come down to those of other states after the enquiry.
— CLIVE JENKINS, Youngtown.
Politics
POLITICIANS like to sprout the line: “Level playing field”.
I think they should practice what they preach, especially in connection with UBER which is the new fangled way of putting people in touch with free enterprise taxi operators.
UBER drivers don’t pay any taxi license fees and are not regulated by government. Some would be horrified at that concept.
In order to revive the mythical level playing field states need immediately to refund taxi license fees to the registered operators who had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for each taxi and limo license.
If this isn’t done governments should be breached for discrimination.
— JAY NAUSS, Glen Aplin.
Cigarettes
CIGARETTES were once considered healthy.
Big tobacco fought tooth and nail for their product once the overwhelming scientific evidence of serious health consequences began to affect sales.
Now their fight is centred around freedom of choice and the evils of plain packaging.
Cue Maurice Newman and climate change denialists.
When the truth affects your profits then attack the science and cry conspiracy and a threat to freedom.
The only things that are more disgusting than such a prominent and powerful citizen as Maurice Newman borrowing directly from the big tobacco PR handbook is the media promoting his views and Tony Abbott appointing him as his business advisor.
These are dark times indeed.
— TONY NEWPORT, Hillwood.
University
SPECULATION about the university colonising the QVMAG site to reimagine the Inveresk site and that sparked Rosita Gallach’s story this week demonstrates Launceston City Council’s vulnerability to penny-pinching coercion.
If there is to be any fairness in the university colonising the QVMAG’s, indeed Launcestonian’s, heritage assets at Inveresk in order for it to fulfil its aspiration to bring ‘Town and Gown’ closer together, well the university really needs to be offering some equitability.
For instance, albeit adjoining the QVMAG Royal Park campus, the Wellington Street TAFE building is hardly a fare nor equitable barter.
Alternatively, The Examiner’s soon to be evacuated heritage site might be a more fitting trade but either way the university needs to lead in a cooperative and collaborative investigation of the possible mutual re-imaginings.
Locating the museum next to the Paterson Street car park would enhance the City’s heart in ways university lecture theatres and offices are unlikely to.
— RAY NORMAN, Trevallyn.
Flood proofing
DON Davey's contribution for 'flood proofing' Launceston (The Examiner, May 8), brings forth the need to advise the people of Launceston on the dangers of unsubstantiated suggestions.
Experts concur that most of the silt entering the estuary comes from the North Esk River, however, the accumulation in the Yacht Basin is primarily due to the faster flood tide carrying more silt upstream than the slower ebb tide carries out.
In an average year, approximately three times more silt accumulates in the Yacht Basin than arrives from the North Esk.
Unfortunately the idea of a causeway/loch/bridge in the vicinity of the Grammar's rowing sheds, which has been proposed before, would be catastrophic for Launceston in a major flood as it would effectively block the exit path of the floodwaters from the South Esk River, even if it had several operable lochs for vessel passage.
The Flood Authority uses the most up to date computer modelling and expert advice to test its proposals before putting plans into action to ensure the most efficient and affordable flood protection is provided to the people and property in Launceston.
— ANDREW FULLARD, General Manager Launceston Flood Authority.
Domestic violence
HARCOURT’S city walk against domestic violence on Friday, May 8, was evidence of the positive outcomes possible when people are united for a cause.
But without there now being a follow-up on the walk from a total community perspective, effectively addressing the root causes of domestic violence will be a long and protracted process with far too many individuals continuing to fall victim to this destructive behaviour, while the perpetrators themselves are left with the burden of fear, guilt and shame to bear.
As a number of councillors fronted up in their high heels for the occasion, including the Mayor and councillor Soward, it would be hoped that our civic leaders will continue to be proactive in maintaining a high profile in the war on domestic violence thereby placing Launceston at the forefront of the battle and empowering people to have a voice in order to contribute positively and effectively against this terrible scourge on society.
— SUE CARLYON, Independent Pastoral Care, Launceston.
AFL
IT'S back. We can start talking and watching footy again after the coat-hanger, and the”don't pull my jumper “thwack” made a return on the weekend of the Hawthorn versus North Melbourne game.
On behalf of all the old codgers we pay thanks to coach Alistair Clarkson, captain king hit, follow the leader Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis for his coat-hanger.
They both need to sharpen their skills as the victims luckily didn't require the need for a stretcher.
The king hit before the first ball is bounced would make our memories come flooding back. Will that be next?
Hawthorn player Josh Gibson says, I quote (It's a part of footy).
The AFL have brought entertainment to another level, that's what it's all about.
I finish this article disappointed that the hooligans have returned to blacken our wonderful game.
— HUGH BOYD, Launceston.
Economy
WITH all the subtlety of a sledgehammer Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison announce on Mother’s Day that those selfish, stay at home mothers, are not doing their bit for the economy like their hard working sisters.
Why I bet they even buy fresh meat and vegetables and serve up healthy meals to their children.
Have they never heard of Maccas, KFC and Pizza Hut, all struggling to make a few dollars.
Of course to help to make ends meet, they could provide child care services for others, but most don’t have the premises or qualifications to look after children.
People are being urged to remain in employment longer, more woman in the workforce and rising unemployment rates.
Where are all these new jobs to be created?
— A. CARTER, Mowbray.
Cenotaph
I WISH to comment on various opinions recently expressed regarding the inability of the Cenotaph area of Royal Park to accommodate the Anzac Day services of the future.
This year we were, for the first time, totally incapable of squeezing the tail of the parade into the park; only able to ask the young school children to turn right and stay in Paterson St.
This is totally wrong, as the future of Anzac Day is in the hearts and minds of our younger generation.
I recommend that the Cenotaph be moved to the centre of the Brickfields.
On a newly created raised area, it would be visible from all sides of the park, with shade and shelter provided by the existing trees.
As a park devoted to nothing in particular at the moment, the Brickfields would gain a new lease of life and become a focus for future generations of veterans and their children.
It would be easy to reroute the march from Prince’s Square, covering a slightly shorter distance.
Alternatively, to maintain an historic link, the parade could be formed in the Civic Square or Paterson Street, travelling via Margaret Street to the Brickfields and thus not interfering with the main north-south traffic routes. Another historic link is that the Brickfields were used as a camp for our armed forces, prior to embarking on the transports which took them to war.
— GORDON HURST, Capt (RAinf) Ret, Launceston.