Otherwise let the developers, develop without restrictions.

AT THE recent  Tides of Change public forum on September 13, there was much discussion about how we will develop the river edge areas of the three rivers that converge in the immediate Launceston area.

One of the key points raised at the forum related to the need to preserve and carefully manage the area’s “authenticity”.

It is Launceston’s authenticity, its unique blend of historic buildings and streetscapes, natural environments and innovative redevelopment (for example Stillwater, the Silos Hotel) that gives the area a ‘sense of place’ which locals and tourists are attracted to.

Tourists don’t come to Launceston for generic tourist developments; they come to Launceston and the Gorge and the Tamar Valley because these areas are different from other places in Australia.  Launceston has retained a natural charm and ambience that is unique.

However charm and ambience are fragile and elusive; they cannot be taken for granted and can be easily destroyed by over enthusiastic entrepreneurs, councils and government grants.  

We must be wary of inappropriate developments that do not complement Launceston’s uniqueness.

This is an exciting time for Launceston as there is much development proposed or happening already.

To build on this enthusiasm to reenergize the river area, we must tread carefully or we will destroy the very values that tourists come here to experience.

The highest priority is to manage the waterfront’s built and natural heritage so as to retain its sense of place and the local population’s love for the area.  

If we do this right, this will attract all the tourists we would ever want.

We need to love the Tamar enough so that we can once and for all eliminate the embarrassment of raw sewage entering the river, strategically manage the silt and ensure that the development of the new north bank precinct is done in a way that embellishes and harmonizes with the river rather than detracting from it.

I would like to be proud of our river environment again rather than have to apologize to visitors about its shortcomings.    

We can renew our waterfront and do it right.

We have a precious river environment that regional cities around the world would envy.  

Let us manage it wisely and not kill the goose that has given us such a beautiful golden egg.

CONGRATULATIONS to Ravenswood Heights Primary staff and principal, Zachary Taylor for their initiatives in involving parents in the day-to-day operation of the school.  

This is of benefit to all, parents, children and teachers, as it develops a spirit of common goals and purposes.  

It immediately gives pupils a lift and helps them develop positive attitudes to their learning, knowing that a parent is there to support them.  

I would contend that this will be the biggest single factor leading to better school outcomes and something that should be strongly supported by all school communities.