Notwithstanding this, certain sewerage treatment plants in the North and East continue to discharge raw sewerage into the local rivers and estuaries on a regular basis.

A TasWater takeover is essential to fund primary and tertiary effluent treatment facilities especially in the Tamar catchment area, Georges Bay catchment area just to name two.

There are other effluent treatment plants which are inadequate or basic in nature.

Not only effluent but potable drinking water must be included. 

I believe TasWater does not have the financial or professional capability to develop and commission projects that will clean and release near potable water into these areas at all times.

The scale is far too large for TasWater to effectively do little more than a bandaid fix and claim exemption from environmental controls as a government organisation.

If TasWater was a privately owned operator, they would be shut down for failing to submit to, and adhere to national environmental controls.

The Legislative Council and state government have put this issue of neglect it into the too hard basket as it will not win votes at the next election.  

Adrian Gofton, Mowbray.

EACH YEAR Christmas can be anything but joyful for our young people. 

While you enjoyed your Christmas lunch, opened presents and spent time with loved ones, I ask that you spare a thought for those who did not experience the joy of Christmas this year. 

For many, Christmas is a time to spend with family, in a safe home, exchanging gifts and recharging the batteries for the year ahead. But for many more, it is an unbearable reminder of everything they don’t have.

Many of my young people did not wake up to presents under the tree, were given a delicious lunch, or were able to spend quality time with loved ones, but we are trying to fix that.  

At Youth Off The Streets we have been collecting food for hampers, as well as gift cards, so that our kids have the chance to receive a gift and delicious food to make a joyful Christmas a reality.

The gift of giving to our disadvantaged young Australians is more than just material presents and food. 

When I give our kids these gifts, I see their faces light up. 

They are so happy to be given something where before they had nothing, but most of all they are so happy to know someone cares about them and wants them to experience what Christmas is about – giving to those less fortunate.

This Christmastime, if you have the means, consider donating a gift card or donating directly to a charity that helps less fortunate people. 

It can brighten the day of someone that is constantly being reminded of what they don’t have.

I hope you and your readers had a wonderful Christmas, and have a happy new year.

Father Chris Riley, CEO and Founder at Youth Off The Streets

AS WE approach the end of the year and start thinking about New Year’s resolutions, I hope all this year’s prolific contributors to The Examiner's letters to the editor decide it is time for a break.

Please put your pencils down and consider at least a year off, because your opinions, political bias and environmental policies are well known and it’s time for new blood and new opinions. 

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Peter Wilson, Newstead.

AT LONG last the Royal Commission has handed down its findings into the horrors of child sexual abuse in this country, perpetrated by vile, sadistic perverts and enabled by their cadre of protectors and accomplices.

While politicians of all stripes, community leaders and faith-based organisations, seek to jump on the bandwagon of outrage, let's not forget the one person with the courage and conviction to call this monstrous behaviour out and actually do something about it. 

Well done and thank you to Julia Gillard for her compassion, bravery and moral fortitude in setting up the Royal Commission in the first place. And brickbats to the rest who dare not even mention her name to recognise her efforts.

Sue Gul, Newnham.

LABOR’S Sam Dastyari’s recent resignation from the federal Senate for his links to a Chinese donor, and consequently, the Chinese Communist Party, is a lucid reminder that a federal anti-corruption commission should be established.

With the recent success of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, regarding Labor NSW politicians Eddie Obeid, Ian MacDonald, the current NSW Liberal Government has legislated to lessen the power and reduce funding to the commission.

Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.

ADDITIONS to the range of courses and activities at our university’s northern campus are to be applauded.  

The newly established Institute for Forest Product Innovation is recognition that wood products have an important role in the world’s efforts to reduce carbon footprints.  

Wood stores carbon and so our efforts to use wood products in buildings, furniture and as a raw material for further processing has important long-term benefit for our environment.  Allied with sustainable management of our state’s forests, it presents Tasmania with its extensive forests opportunity to move with the times.

Dick James, Launceston.