Environmental groups such as the Bob Brown Foundation and the Tasmanian Wilderness Society are trying to reignite the forest wars on false claims of planned logging in reserved areas.

The 356,000 hectares they are referring to are not and have never been reserved.

The areas identified under the defunct TFA were only to be added to our reserve estate on the condition that STT could meet its wood supply contracts.

TWS as a signatory and Bob Brown as the then Greens leader holding the balance of power in the Labor-Green government at the time agreed to that condition.

A subsequent parliamentary inquiry found that the areas identified had not even been properly assessed for HCV. While there has been a moratorium on logging in these areas, STT has not been able to meet its wood supply. The BBF and TWS are now demanding of the failed agreement be enforced, that is lock-ups, but not those bits that don't suit their agenda. They also do not want HCV assessments to be done.

What a surprise. I guess it keeps the money rattling in their donations tins.

I AND many other bricks and mortar retailers have welcomed Dr Louise Grimmer's long-awaited report on, "Shopping in the City" (The Examiner, September 29).

The contents echo what several business owner/operators have been requesting over many years, but sadly constantly always appearing to have been falling on deaf ears. It was interesting reading, that inner-city parking was not the No.1 issue.

Let's hope once the report is tabled in council we will immediately see Cityprom and the City of Launceston Council come together and prioritise various recommendations and action them without hesitation.

Addressing the many torn street flags about town and replacing them with bright happier retail themed graphics, removing graffiti tagging and steaming cleaning footpaths and rubbish bins would be a great start. Bringing back the extremely popular George Street Fiesta as a major city/tourism event incorporating all retail businesses from across the entire city over a long weekend would be a brilliant step forward.

Shine on Launceston, shine on.

MEANDER Valley Mayor Wayne Johnston's claim that "There's got to be some give and take on both sides" of the battle for the old Meander School site, is wrong and hurtful. Where is the give back to our community who gave their heart and hard work to maintaining and building up the school for so many years?

How about a bit of giving back to our isolated community that is hurting and needs its heart once again? If Mr Johnston genuinely cares about addicts, he would stop wasting ratepayers money in fighting a legal battle with his community, end the $2-a-year lease with Teen Challenge and lobby the state government to provide professional secular rehabilitation in appropriate places, where it is needed.

Our community would heal and flourish if allowed to develop a centre, much like Deloraine Neighborhood House or the 'Reseed' Centre in the old Penguin school which supports its community, which is what council should allow for the Meander community.

IT IS somewhat encouraging to see Woolworths supermarkets participating in the recycling of soft plastic at their sites by providing a collection of bread bags, etc.

However, this is counteracted by their checkout staff asking customers if they would like a plastic carry bag.

When I asked at the local store why they don't leave it to the customer to ask if they would like one, I was told it is because it is company policy to take the initiative.

Come on Woolies, get with it and expand your policy to help in reducing pollution.

THE recent edition of Momentum 2019 was a credit to the team that created it.

It is great to see students summarising facts and expressing opinions to form balanced journalism.

The two articles published on student rights "Do teachers all follow the example they set?" and "Children's rights are important as adults" both outline recognisable double standards in the classroom.

Neither article, however, mentions the responsibilities that accompany every right.

Students cannot command the respect and fairness of the teacher if they fail to show honesty in their behaviour. The right to be heard is accompanied by the responsibility to listen.

The right to be treated with fairness is accompanied by the responsibility to tell the truth.

It is my experience as a lifelong educator, that when this principle is followed, it leads to greater harmony in the classroom.

THERE is a distinct risk that Westbury will now become and remain forever synonymous with a prison, as Risdon is, rather than the peaceful, beautiful, historic township it now is.