Power
FOUR times a day I see a huge volume of water racing up and down the Tamar River under the Batman Bridge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Our power crisis would be fixed forever if four turbines were fitted near the western bank as the current averages about 2m/s except for about 1.5 hours at high and low tide, clean, renewable energy that does not rely on sun, wind or rain. There is plenty of room for a power station next to the bridge and high voltage wires are already overhead.
So I ask Mr Groom and the government to step into Eric Reece’s big shoes and get a quote from overseas companies who have built these tidal river generators and as an election is due, ask for funding.
Perhaps our local smelters would help as they have had cheap power for a long time and a share in the company would ensure their longevity.
Our maritime/university could do a study on water flows etc without useless fact finding trips and enquiries that are shelved forever. So for “jobs and growth”, let’s see some action not hollow words.
Bernard Hay, Kayena.
REFUGEES
I AM pleased the Greens are concerned for the safety and protection of refugees arriving in Australia. If we are not of Aboriginal descent, the families of most of us came from other countries to settle and make a life for themselves in Australia.
I think it behoves us to welcome new settlers wanting a fresh start, especially when the politics of their countries of origin are oppressive or unhealthy.
Pat McKenzie, South Launceston.
ELECTION LETTERS
Letters commenting on election issues must bear the name and full address of the writer(s), and a day telephone number for verification purposes only. Responsibility for election comment in this issue is accepted by Fairfax Tasmania group managing editor Mark Baker, 113 Cimitiere Street, Launceston.
Writers should disclose any alliance with political or community organisations. Election candidates should declare themselves as such when submitting letters.