Ross Bridge
IS THE Ross Bridge worthy of national heritage listing?
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Our 1836 sandstone bridge at Ross, with 186 carvings by convict mason Daniel Herbert, is seen by many to have national significance, and is deserving of world heritage recognition.
Any citizen is supposed to be able to nominate a site for the national heritage list, as I did with the Ross Bridge in early 2016.
It turns out the process is far more political than authorities are letting on, as the final rejection letter states, "It is also noted there is no evidence of state or local government support.”
Clearly, to dream of a second bid for national heritage listing of the Ross Bridge, will require a political campaign equal to a state election, where every councillor, state and federal politician will have to be lobbied to get onto the case of twisting arms in Canberra.
The Ross Bridge will have to be prepared like a bride for this heritage marriage to be recognised federally. Do councillors and Tasmanian politicians have what it takes to fight for Tasmania’s heritage?
Will Tasmania’s newspapers join this fight, or let it rest that there is no evidence for state or local government support?
Kim Peart, Ross.
Meter Men/Maids
I TOTALLY agree with Julia Yates (The Examiner, October 24) that Launceston’s city centre is pretty dead, while regional shopping areas thrive.
I think parking meters are mainly to blame. If shoppers would use the excellent Metro bus service, these wouldn’t be a problem, but people won’t.
While public transport is the norm in major cities, there is a sort of stigma about using it in Launceston. I have no idea why.
We can’t compete with the Meter Maids of the Gold Coast, but how about Meter Men for Launceston? No, they don’t have to wear bathers, just a colourful sash over street clothes.
They could be “work for the dole” recipients, it would get them out of bed, walking is the best exercise known to man and it would give them responsibility.
They, if trained, could supply tourist information and help visitors in distress, like where to find the few public toilets.
The city council would lose revenue, but if we continue the way we are going, the CBD along with the disused university campus at Newnham will only be suited to ghost tours in a few years’ time.
Malcolm Scott, Newstead.
Right to Information
OUR RIGHT to Information Act gives any person a legally enforceable right to be provided with information in the possession of a public authority or a minister, provided that it is not exempt information.
I feel the whole RTI process in Tasmania has been interfered with by our Liberal politicians.
One senior investigator is being asked to handle all the cases, which is totally unreasonable. Despite calls for more funding, more staff, this has fallen on deaf ears which would indicate it is just not about the money.
The net effect is our right to be provided with information is not happening, or not happening in a timely manner. In many cases these lengthy delays suit the government and the public authorities; they don’t want this information released.
Public authorities have become all too good at frustrating the release of straightforward information when they receive RTI request on knowing full well the release will be delayed even further once it gets to external review for a decision by the ombudsman.
There are 48 open actions at present with the ombudsman and up to a thousand days is being cited now before a RTI case is finalised in Tasmania. No way can this be seen as promoting the proactive release of information under the act.
Clive Stott, Grindelwald.
Gorge Volunteers
It is wonderful to learn that the City of Launceston) is reviewing its decision in respect of volunteers staffing the Gorge cottage (The Examiner, October 27).
Unmanned displays are all very well, but having enthusiastic and knowledgeable people available to respond to varied questions, is something really appreciated by both locals and visitors, and as a tourism experience is a valuable point of difference that should not be overlooked or disregarded.
This rather unique personal touch has impressed interstate and overseas visitors I’ve hosted over the years.
Anne Layton-Bennett, Swan Bay.
Paperwork delay
AFTER reading Hayden Johnson's article regarding the Inveresk delay, it is becoming like Long Reach.
No paper mill and no university. When are the government’s going to get their act together? Our government is becoming what to do and how to do it.
My mate Ron Baines has been writing about the uni for months now. He must be laughing up his sleeve after reading this. What a debacle. It has gone on far too long and is getting out of hand.
Cecil Neil Guy, Youngtown.
Parking
I COLLECTED a parking fine recently for making a snap decision to shop at a city florist (heinous crime I know).
Upon my return the beaming official advised that I need carry coins at all times. Just wondering whether the Launceston council may be willing to contemplate parking payment by phone or card?
Alternatively, complimentary 15-30 minute parking, such as that provided by Leichhardt Council in Sydney, enables shoppers to acquire change, shop spontaneously and support local business. Interestingly, impact studies demonstrated no reduction in council revenue, but positives for business.
Parking attendants will continue to thrive as an industry but it may be timely and diplomatic for council to move toward the cashless imperative ahead of us.
Andrew Saint, Trevallyn.