A compromise is called for: Two pedestrian counters, one on the West Launceston side of the Basin and one on the Trevallyn side should be installed.

When the total number of tourists at the Basin exceeds a set figure, say 50 people, a signal is sent to Trevallyn Power Station to throttle back the turbines to an agreed (legislated) figure.

This will cause water to overflow Trevallyn Dam and flush out the Gorge and Tamar Basin for a few hours until the number of tourists diminishes to below 50 and another signal is sent. At night the power station could take more than it normally does, but still ensure a small amount passes down the South Esk. In the summer, perhaps the counters could be dispensed with and just set the flow increase to occur between 8am and 4pm.

Potential issues include: A need to ensure the low walkway across the Basin is always passable and a need to provide advisory signage regarding variable flow. Hydro would need to keep Trevallyn Dam full to minimise delays in water flow down the Gorge.

The results would be more turbulent water in the Gorge and cleaner water at the start of the Tamar. Hydro would lose some of their generating capacity but Trevallyn Power Station represents a tiny fraction of the state’s output.

I WATCHED two games of AFLX to get the feel of what impact I would experience. There was no excitement-full stop. It was repetitive, boring just like watching a training drill, therefore a backward step.

We have a wonderful spectacle of skilled athletes who thrive on the hard physical clashes that bring spectators out of their seats.

If the AFL continues in this vain hope of changing the game to go worldwide, where most of world is in conflict, and millions of people are starving, is beyond the thoughts of a boyhood dream.

There is plenty of development needed in the forgotten state of Tasmania, a breeding ground of past champions. We are now witnessing the demise of state football, introduced by the AFL. 

MOST Tasmanians welcome the influx of tourist over the summer period. As do I. 

I would, however, ask those of you that are driving on our roads to be a little more considerate.

I fully understand that you want to take in all the scenery and admire the amazing things that Tassie has to offer, and I absolutely understand how many of our roads can offer quiet a challenge, but you must also understand that many of these roads do not have passing lanes or any opportunity to overtake safely.

So in the name of considerate road use if someone is stuck behind you and you want or need to travel at 60km/h in a 100km/h zone, just ease off to the side and let us past, because not all of us are taking in the view some are going to or coming home from work or running errands, and are quiet comfortable driving these roads at the allotted speed limit.

So just a little common consideration and respect for other road users would be appreciated.

OVER the previous 46 years I have really enjoyed visitors from several Avon ladies - all rays of sunshine. Recently while supermarket shopping one made herself known to me, as I am vision impaired - it was like catching up with an old friend, made my day. Well done, you will be missed, especially by we who no longer drive.

ON WEDNESDAY my mother and I were at Prospect Marketplace. Unbeknown to us, my handbag fell off the back of my wheelchair outside the shopping centre. 

A voice from behind us called out and we both ignored it, a young man riding his bicycle called out again. We turned and saw him holding the handbag, returning it to us. With great relief we thanked him and he was gone before we realised. We only wish we had thought to offer him a reward for his honesty and kindness.

SAD to see so much litter by the Tasman Highway of late and the beach and bay foreshores, especially around St Helens.  The tourists may bring welcome revenue for local businesses, but they apparently show little respect for the beautiful and pristine nature of the Tasmanian environment, not to mention our fruit industry.  Do we need more rubbish bins and signs warning against littering?

JACK Sonnemann have you no shame (The Examiner, January 23). In defending gun laws in the US you cite two countries to support your argument.

Switzerland, which allows gun ownership and has minimal gun violence and Honduras which allegedly bans guns and suffers from extreme gun violence.

Honduras one of the poorest countries in the world with deep political unrest has been exposed to American interference over decades contributing to a persistent armed political conflict - the single reason for its rampant violence - not gun laws as you suggest.

Switzerland a country that has successfully isolated itself from all major wars including the first and second World Wars is not the US - a country whose primary instinct when it comes to conflict is violent resolution and military might.

The problem Jack, is the propensity for violence that lies deep in America's collective soul. A problem aided and abetted by gun laws rooted in a dated philosophy that goes back 240 years.