Launceston Sewage
IAN KIDD is right to suggest alternatives to TasWater’s proposed scheme for upgrading Launceston’s archaic and totally inadequate sewerage infrastructure as their current proposal certainly proves wanting (The Examiner, October 21).
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I am absolutely amazed the organisation is even considering anything less than the best technology available; modern state-of-the-art sewage treatment facilities are quite capable of delivering a discharge that is even drinkable, not that anyone would want to of course but nevertheless the outflow is more than suitable for irrigation purposes thus completely removing the need for any discharge whatsoever in to the Tamar River.
Launceston, and the Tamar Valley have been patiently waiting for more than 100 years for this essential sewerage upgrade consequently deserve nothing but the best for their forbearance and the health of the Tamar River.
Jim Collier, Legana.
US Election
THE circus that the US presidential election has become is nearly thankfully over who wins, as the world watches with baited breath will no doubt lead to another round of slanging and sledging between the two rivals.
Politics the world over seems to have come off the rails a little bit and one can only wait and wonder were it is going to end up taking us. Let’s hope some sense of wellbeing ensues.
David Parker, West Launceston.
Council Meeting
I RESPOND to the Mayor of George Town, Bridget Archer, (The Examiner, October 3) who states my assertions regarding some matters pertaining to the George Town Council are simply untrue yet rebutts none of the substance.
Making no criticism of staff, I highlighted the different approach to cost savings between two neighbouring councils.
Dorset has found internal efficiencies, including senior managerial rationalisation as opposed to George Town increasing overall staff numbers after losing water and sewerage.
Reportable senior managerial personnel have been increased by general manager John Martin from two to five positions and he has flagged rate rises.
All this has come at a cost to ratepayers with the State Audit Office reporting that the George Town Council has the highest annual salaries in the state, for example $88,000 compared to $76,000 (The Examiner, September 5).
A major street recently reconstructed has completely broken down, yet the mayor talks of expenditure on matters clearly of state responsibility such as health and economic development.
Weasel words re preparing strategic plans and acknowledging that some staff go the extra yard does not answer why a council administration like some of their counterparts in the south of the state are treating elected members and ratepayers who dare to question with disdain.
The George Town municipality with its natural attributes, friendly people and affordability is attracting new residents who appreciate what we have to offer but our full potential cannot be reached with an extravagant top-heavy council.
John Austin, President George Town Residents and Ratepayers Ass Inc.
Forestry Tas
I HAVE a couple of questions for Forestry Tasmania who claims the Lapoinya coupe is a “production forest”. Other than sawdust and woodchips, what did the recent logging of the forest produce?
What percentage of the timber harvested went to a sawmill and how many timber homes did it provide for? I notice there’s been no mention of how many native animals were relocated prior to logging, why not, where did they all go?