The present system is all eligible voters (ratepayers) get a say in who they want to see as their local council mayor and deputy mayor.

I'm sure the majority of voters are quite happy with things as they are.

We don't need or want to go back to the old ways again.

Leave things as they are and stop messing with something that doesn't need changing.

TAX cuts deeming rates reduced but once again no benefits for self-funded retirees who do not use any taxpayer subsidies.

No health benefits, no reduction on services, rates, electricity, etc.

Maybe our new Liberal members should push this instead of just a photo opportunity photo with the Prime Minister on July 8.

ACCORDING to an article on SBS news (July 8) Australia is on track to be the worst climate change contributor.

It is projected that by 2030 Australia will produce 17 per cent of global carbon emissions. Isn't it time that all levels of government, including the City of Launceston council, recognise the threat by declaring a climate emergency, and acts swiftly with tough policies to better our future?

GOOD to see Senator Jacqui Lambie supporting the efforts of Housing Minister Roger Jaensch in securing a promise from his federal counterpart Michael Sukkar (The Examiner, June 20), that he would consider wiping Tasmania's historic housing debt.

With South Australia's debt wiped in 2012, there is a good argument and chance that Mr Jaensch will achieve the sought outcome.

Whilst piggybacking on that effort, (gaining the same response from the federal government), unfortunately, it's actually an opportunity missed by Senator Lambie, especially when our health system is in disarray and our education levels low.

WHAT a fantastic development.

It is great for Launceston, and it will attract young families to our vibrant town.

It is a real drawcard for doctors in training who might come from interstate to do some of their training. If they have a great experience then they might want to stay permanently.

This is what the LGH needs too often we hear of expensive locums servicing our hospital when what we need is young talent to come, experience, enjoy and stay on in our great town. Launceston has excellent schools, parks, restaurants and facilities and not too much traffic. It is close to wilderness experiences and has beautiful produce.

A great lifestyle choice. The childcare will also create new jobs. The hub has generated enormous employment opportunities for many in Launceston.

Well done Dr Jerome Muir-Wilson.

LOOKS as if Speaker Sue Hickey is after Will Hodgman's job as Premier and if she can't get it, she'll run as an independent backed by federal independent MHR Andrew Wilkie.

They are both members of the same seat, one state, one federal.

In their seat, voters are used to voting independent which explains why Wilkie keeps winning.

Assuming she's elected as an Independent, Hickey will then wait until Wilkie retires and get his backing to run for federal parliament as a new female Independent in his vacated seat.

The trouble is Independents are only useful to voters when there's a hung parliament.

Even Julia Gillard dudded Wilkie over the pokies issue once she won a by-election and got her majority back again.

The Southern Tasmanian seats are safe Labor (or Andrew Wilkie) and they get nothing from either side. Swinging seats in the North get all the goodies from both sides.

WHILST not wanting to be labelled an anti-everything Tasmanian, questions need to be asked of BioMar aquaculture.

Their new $56 million facility being constructed at Wesley Vale on the states North-West Coast will have the ability to produce 110,000 tonnes of fish feed every year and will be able to process 19 tonnes of raw material per hour.

While they state they wish to source most of their agricultural ingredients locally, one can't help but wonder where the fish meal and fish oil components needed will be sourced from. Will it be from the waters surrounding Tasmania and from our small pelagic fishery?

If there is going to be an increase in the small pelagic fish quota to accommodate this obviously long term proposition, has the science been done to ensure it is sustainable?

Senator Jonathon Duniam, Guy Barnett and BioMar themselves have also been asked this question but so far no response has been forthcoming from anyone.

Until those questions are answered perhaps Tasmania's recreational fishers should rightly be concerned that perhaps the fantastic tuna fishing we take for granted around this state could well be at risk over the long term?