He may also be interested to know the two previous recommendations were for a roundabout, but apparently a possible 2 per cent increase in traffic volumes has prompted a change of heart from State Growth.

It is also of interest to note the Victorian Liberal opposition has promised to remove about 30 sets of traffic lights and replace them with roundabouts in the interest of road safety, should they win the next Victorian election.

A recent study by ACS Engineers between roundabouts and traffic lights came up with this verdict: Roundabouts are the clear winner here - they are safer, improve traffic flow, are cheaper than traffic lights, and can be installed in most situations.

And just in case you still have doubts, this is a statistic from Towards Zero Victoria based on a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: “Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop sign or signal controlled intersections.

"Roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 75 per cent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control. 

Vision Zero aims to reduce casualty crashes and serious injury - worldwide - surprisingly they too are advocates for roundabouts over traffic lights."

Jim Cox AM, Launceston.

I WOULD like to suggest my two cents worth into the Mowbray connector debate.

I suggest that a four-lane bridge be constructed from the southern end of Holbrook Street over the Esk River onto the Esplanade.

Holbrook Street can be made into a four-lane road or two lanes to be turned onto Invermay Road as it now stands, with traffic lights.

The other two lanes should keep going north onto an overpass over the Mowbray connector, and onto the East Tamar highway, just past the Launceston Church Grammar School.

One of these lanes was for northern traffic and one for southern traffic into the city centre. This should ease the traffic that now builds up along Wellington Street.

The proposed lights or roundabout should be placed on the connector, as is suggested by the government.

Rex Greeno, Riverside.

BILL Shorten’s  proposals to disallow franking credit refunds has been good for retiree associations’ membership.

Once more there is a battle to be won and retirees are now flocking to join those groups fighting for their interests.

These groups are all coming together to form the Alliance for a Fairer Retirement System, which is marshalling the large and rapidly growing numbers of retirees across Australia. 

The Association of Independent Retirees with a vibrant branch in Launceston is part of this alliance, new members are welcome with meetings monthly (the third Friday at 10am) at Windsor Park, Riverside.

Dick James, Launceston.

I HAVE never met a person who isn't aspirational. 

Who doesn't aspire to a better life? However, in recent times the word has re-emerged in political discussions. But who are these "aspirationals"? 

Presumably there is an exceptional breed of person whose need for advancement, particularly financially, supercedes the desires of us less ambitious folks. 

Doesn't it also suggest greed and self interest as virtues in seeking personal advancement? It also undermines the dignity of workers in general because it places remuneration as the sole measure of a person's worth. 

As an older person my aspirations are related to us becoming a better country than we presently are. 

I want all workers to receive a livable wage but I am sick of the incessant banging on about the economy, as if economic measures are the only indicators to be used in measuring the nation's wellbeing .  

As wiser people than me have observed, we are a society not an economy.

Ralph Marshall, Launceston.

WITH the term “Mona Effect” appearing due to the annual Dark Mofo, it may be time to contemplate a particularly primitive form of intolerance that has unfortunately emerged.

Based on social media, it is a herd mentality of cowardice.

While every parent is cognisant of this primitive behaviour, it may be time to reflect upon the benefits of a mature society, where difference of opinion has an innate respect and reciprocity for all participants, in a juxtaposition of peaceful, yet exciting and challenging environments.

Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.

The staff of the Launceston General Hospital emergency department have committed to commencing a daily vigil on their own time to call for immediate action to address our safety concerns about bed block at the LGH. 

We believe we are no longer able to guarantee a safe and adequate level of care to our patients. We have provided the Health Minister Michael Ferguson with a list of demands to address our concerns and expect a response within 48 hours. 

If we have not had an adequate response in this time we will ask the community to join us in our vigil.

Tom Millen, Registered Nurse, ED ANMF workplace representative.