Food Vans
WE WISH to express our concern that Alderman Darren Alexander is seeking to impede or restrict the operation of food vans in Launceston. It is obvious that Alderman Alexander has been approached by one or two operators of cafes and is voicing their concerns, although we are hard-pressed to identify any cafes unduly suffering.
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And how does he react to the Aromas food van right beside the Town Hall in Civic Square in competition with the LINC cafe just 20 metres away?
We personally know the young man operating ‘Turkish Tucka’, a recent migrant who, unable to find other employment, took the initiative to set up a most successful food van, which incidentally now provides part-time employment to three other young people.
Has he spoken to the operators of any of the vans and, more importantly, the many people who support this means of food provision? It is wonderful to see these families during the summer months enjoying the grassed areas of St George’s Square and the play equipment there.
Limited budgets and the ages of their children generally preclude such families from sit-down restaurant situations. Food vans also are important with such events as farmers markets and family geared events in places such as Royal Park.
They provide an essential service at these times, important in attracting participants. Far from being critical and seeking to restrict food vans, Alderman Alexander should recognise the service to the general public such vans provide and the employment opportunities so created.
Vans presently must pass stringent, costly health checks, pay license fees and parking fees, so that they already contribute to our city’s coffers. Don’t put in place further impediments to this free market enterprise activity and its undoubted value to the citizens of our city.
Dick and Maggie James, Launceston.
Ribbon of respect
LAST YEAR Working It Out launched the Burgundy Ribbon campaign. The purpose was two-fold. Firstly we asked that all people wear the ribbon to remind and be reminded to be respectful of all people in what we say and do. Secondly we wear the ribbon so that we remember the hurt and pain that some may still experience as a result of discrimination. I ask that people hold this thought as we share opinions on the subject of the marriage survey. Many people have had to fight all their lives to make this an inclusive society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.
Our task is to stand by these people and show them that there are many who care and understand and support them. Please show that you demand respectful debate and that you will be respectful to others in everything you say and do. Wear a burgundy ribbon to say you honour respectful dialogue. In Tasmania ribbons are available from Working It Out or make your own.
Susan Ditter, North Hobart.
Life beyond project
SINCE no risk assessment was ever carried out for the pulp mill it is hardly accurate to claim the project would have been a ‘shot in the arm’ for the region and state (The Examiner, August 29). Given the daily emissions of toxic effluent, stink, and marine and airborne pollutants from the mill, it would be far more accurate to say we’ve dodged a lethal injection. The viability of all those Tamar Valley food and wine growing businesses - thriving in the absence of the spectre of the pulp mill – was under threat by the mill. So were a number of tourism ventures. Now many are looking to expand with confidence, as The Examiner recently reported. Our region has already moved on and is becoming renowned nationally with successful events and festivals associated with food, music, writing and the arts. As for our wilderness and forests – they are of far greater value left standing, as the increase in ecotourism confirms. Tasmania doesn’t need a pulp mill.