Tourism
THE Examiner editorial (June 26) is to be commended.
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However, Launceston needs to have its political and local government representatives to bring more pressure on the bureaucrats in Hobart, who are frustrating tourist development in the North.
For example, the North-East rail line - this project should have been a matter for Infrastructure Tasmania and not given to Treasury, they are still procrastinating over its viability.
Bridestowe Lavender Farm attracts 75,000 tourists a year (and wants rail) and Launceston hoteliers benefit in accommodation from this enterprise.
Recently I spoke to Launceston Alderman Darren Alexander and he related it was only the Dorset Council that was opposing the reinstatement of this railway by private enterprise.
This businessman is convinced of its value to tourism.
Alderman Alexander would be mindful of Luke Martin’s statement in May following the Tourism Industry Council Conference, that we have to “preserve what makes us special”.
This state is in a perfect position to define our future and formulate plans to manage tourism inflows unlike some popular European destinations that have been consumed and destroyed by mass tourism.
The Examiner points the way with “destination marketing”.
Primary and secondary industries in North-East Tasmania would in my opinion be at a disadvantage to other municipalities such as North-West, Meander, Northern Midlands, Southern Midlands and Break O’Day, which all have rail connections.
Rural communities will be at a disadvantage to city dwellers, that is why rail must be an alternative. Time for “ostrich mentality “ in Dorset to change.
Brian P Khan, Bridport.
AFL crowds
THE recent crowds for the game between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn could well be because of the teams.
One is having a season to forget, has the smallest membership base out of the whole competition and a star player who isn't playing their best brand of football.
The other is having an OK season, has some stars but a couple of reasons that prevent star players from playing.
Who would want to go and see that? For the price of tickets, fans expect good quality games, not poorly played games.
If the AFL wants to make a point of our low crowds they should remember our size.
The Gabba got 11,000-odd people and it’s in a capital city. Hobart recorded 7000 people to watch North take on Melbourne, and Blundstone Arena is bigger than Launceston.
Let's hope next season some reputable teams come down and play.
Collin G. Wood, Newstead.
Prisoner’s day off
I COULD not disagree more strongly with the thoughtless comments of lawyer Greg Barns (The Examiner, June 23).
Prisoners should lose all rights especially for heinous crimes. It is an absolute nonsense to grant those prisoners any sort of gratuities.
Can you give the victims a day off from their grieving? Can you bring the murdered victims back to life, can you stop the pain and fear of a raped victim?
Mr Barns, you have been on this before, lightening the punishment for serious crimes with backpackers accommodation, days off.
Victims do not have days off, it is a life time sentence, pain and loss that goes on forever. And, what message does this send to antisocial, violent people who have no respect for the law?
Protect women, make the law feared, no days off. If you cause pain to others, do the time without reward or favour.
Peter Doddy, Trevallyn.
Energy debate
WHAT’S missing in the energy debate is the leadership role from the people who design and operate our electrical power systems - professional engineers.
As their title suggests they profess to know more on the subject than others, including politicians.
Long ago I was a member of Engineers Australia and even then it was very shy and didn’t live up to its boast of ‘being the trusted voice of the profession’.
We may be critical of the medical profession for so vigorously and vocally letting us know they are the experts, via their ‘trusted voice’, and as a consequence there are rarely any disputes on the technicalities except the affordability.
But where is the voice for professional engineers?
This is our hour of need for action but all we can do is flounder around with not a trusted leader in sight.
Gordon Thurlow, Launceston.
Politicians
SO Labor leader Bill Shorten was persuaded to change his stance on company tax reform after discussions with his caucus.
And who were the first to criticise his actions, the Prime Minister and the Treasurer.
The same pair who held out for two years against mounting opposition, finally agreeing to a Royal Commission into the affairs of the finance sector.
The Prime Minister says Shorten has shown that he is weak leader, on the contrary I believe it shows strength of character to admit that you got it wrong after listening to your fellow caucus members concerns.
It takes a big man to admit he was wrong.
A. Carter, Mowbray.
Tax
BUSINESS will employ more workers when there is an increased demand for their goods or services.
Tax cuts or higher profits do not equate to a larger workforce.
The Liberals concept of trickle down economics makes no sense.
Horst Schroeder, East Devonport.