DAM the energy crisis, damnit.

Where oh where is Electric Eric when he’s so needed.

— DAVID DERRICK, Newnham.

Gunns

In response to the letter from Glennis Sleurink, it is true that both the Hydro and timber company Gunns were big powerful entities that come to presume that they had the right to continue to develop as they pleased.

Eventually they were proven wrong, but it is a shame that the actions of the organisations have caused what are essentially good sustainable industries to be demonised in the minds of many people.

There are many of us who are very bitter that the actions of irresponsible organisations, and the over reactions of environmental groups have virtually brought to a halt any further development of two of our biggest assets, and our best chance of overcoming the handicap of the cost of transport across Bass Strait.

We could have some of the world's best practice forestry and the cleanest most reliable energy supply if we take note of the lessons we have learned and are not held back by the views of extremists.

— MALCOLM MCCULLOCH, Pipers River.

Clifford Craig

SINCE its formation in 1992 it is interesting to note that the Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust has played a pivotal role in supporting health professionals to undertake leading medical research at the Launceston General Hospital.

Thank goodness for transparency as through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission we recently learnt that the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation has a funding agreement with the Colocation Tripartite Committee comprising the Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart Private Hospital and State Treasury.

This commences on May 27, 2002 to expire in 2019 and over a period of 18 years will recieve $4.5 million of public monies.

The Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust has only received funds from a generous community and this example highlights the real difference between north and south.

As a founding director of the Trust, I reiterate my sincere gratitude to all who have supported the organisation, as I am so proud of what it has achieved independent of Government.

— IAN J. N. ROUTLEY, West Launceston.

Open Cut Mine

FOR about five months now as I take my daily walk for my health, I go past what I can only describe as a huge open cut mine in the middle of a once peaceful residential area, the mine is situated in Cormiston Road and I am led to believe it will one day become a Dementia Unit of approximately seventy five bedrooms.

Residents affected by this monstrosity have suffered almost non stop trucks carting dirt away, up to seven excavators working non stop, eight to five, Monday to Friday, dust, noise, rock breaking etc.

I can only pity all those affected by this senseless and poorly thought out location, why on earth was a flat site down Legana way not used?

The building would be three parts finished now with none of the stress put on the residents, who is desperation have put up signs berating the council for allowing this to happen in the first place.

Maybe a councilor could answer through “letters to the editor” why such an unsuitable sight was allowed.

I will watch this space with interest.

— JOHN R. CONWAY, Riverside.

Kim Beazley

WASHINGTON’S favourite Australian - a double page spread (The Age, January 23) with Ambassador Kim Beazley talking to correspondent Nick O’Malley as he prepares to return home. Big shoes indeed to fill Joe Hockey.

Like Capitol Hill in America to Australians both in the public and political arena, Kim was much admired and respected as both the leader of the Labor party and Deputy Prime Minister in the Hawke Government.

The report tells “that when the Abbott government took power in Australia and it went about a purge of Labor appointees Beazley’s term in DC was extended.” Such was the respect shown by the Liberal National Party.

He did say “he still misses Australian politics and when asked the question, do you miss politics, I say only every day.”

On his return to Australia, Mr Beazley will serve as president of the Australian Institute of International Affairs and is expected to do some work with the Australian Strategic Police Institute.

How much better off would Australia (and the Labor party) be were this incredibly decent and competent ex-politician to nominate for the coming Federal election? If only.

—   SYD EDWARDS, Launceston.

Perth

AS a resident in the area affected by January 26 fire at Perth, I write to thank everyone involved in bringing the blaze under control and to praise the procedures put in place to minimize potential damage to property and life.

The fire started unexpectedly and developed quickly.

The prompt response by the Fire Brigade and volunteers from Perth, Hadspen, Ravenswood, Bracknell and possibly elsewhere brought comfort to house owners in the immediate vicinity.

Personnel from Tasmania Police, the SES, Aurora and the Tasmania Ambulance worked well with the direct fire fighters.

A helicopter arrived to direct the fight and it was quickly joined by another, a water bomber.

As the situation worsened, affected residents were contacted by home telephone and an SMS sent to mobiles advising of the emergency alert.

We are all grateful that evacuation was not necessary, thanks to the efforts of so many people who contributed to extinguishing the fire.

—  SELWYN CHURCH, Perth