The jail will not cover all this ground.

Maybe they could use some of it for a community garden. I find it a bit rich that the Labor Party and their union cohorts are complaining about it before it has been confirmed. They need to remember back to 2012 when the government, led by Lara Giddings, closed the minimum security Hayes jail farm.

All this done was to send more prisoners back to Risdon to create more overcrowding.

The government needs to stop mucking about and get on with the construction of this immediately. No matter where it goes, there will be someone to complain.

I urge the government to finally show some backbone and get on and build it.

I TOTALLY understand and respect that people have concerns and different views on the proposed location of the new prison, but they should be balanced by the longer-term positive impacts. Claims that a new prison will negatively impact on property prices are not supported by the evidence.

There are plenty of examples of modern prisons in Australia that have been built near country towns and have a positive impact. Maldon, a popular tourist destination, has the Tarrengower prison nearby.

Property prices have risen significantly, so too in Grafton and Maryborough.

Risdon Vale was already a suburb with significant public housing before the prison was built and Geilston Bay, no more than three kilometres away, hasn't been affected.

The proposed prison should not affect the unique village atmosphere of Westbury. My good friend and former Parliamentary colleague Michael Polley is well known for his political mastery in whipping up a political storm. However, I seem to recall that Mr Polley used to be a strong advocate for a Northern prison located next to Deloraine on the Ashley Youth detention site - funny thing that he never mentioned that. Locating a prison in Northern Tasmania is long overdue. Importantly it gives equality for visitation by families in the North.

This is an enormous help in rehabilitation, which in turn reduces recidivism. A new facility will provide a boost for regional employment. Regional Tasmania cannot afford to miss out on projects of this nature.

THE Editorial in (The Examiner, October 2) highlights our dysfunctional system of caring for older people. The editor suggests the need for transformation of funding and care models.

We must return to the past to understand the present and design the future.

Historically, providers were audited for how they used funding (and jailed for misuse).

Today, providers may spend funds as they wish. When financial accountability was removed media sources reported that so too were many registered nurses and diversional/activity staff.

Traditionally, there was a mix of private and not-for-profit providers, however, private providers dominate the industry and several compete on the stock market.

For the most part, humanistic models are history as the government through its funding tool shaped the current model.

Management of deviance and disease care practices are financially rewarded while those practices designed to enhance social, emotional and recreational existence receive the lowest rate of government funding.

As the editor points out, it is time to change the mindset of those who legislate.

Moreover, constant calls for increased funding may well be appropriate for many providers, however, not before financial transparency and accountability are legislated.

I TRAVEL to Launceston daily for work and for 99 per cent of the time I follow the speed limits.

The Mowbray link road with roadworks underway is now 80km/h, I continually get overtaken by motorists doing 100km/h.

What really upsets me are the drivers that have the "get out of my way attitude", and it continues along the East Tamar Highway which is 100km/h, not 110km/h.

IT is disappointing that the opponents of Teen Challenge cannot support this organisation for helping teenagers who have gone off the rails and are in need of help, which will benefit not only Meander but all of Tassie.

It appears that because it is an Christian organisation, the politics are more important than helping teens in need.

Please think again.

THE report on shopping experience in Launceston's CBD and is rather dismal.

Surprise, surprise but the mall isn't gathering many accolades with people wanting a better shopping experience, more seating and more food venues.

Why on earth, apart from the little animals which seem to be a danger to life and limb, won't the council allow Coffee Republic to have their tables and chairs outside as they used to?

With the millions spent on the mall, it should be an inviting place, not a bland, boring expanse with three empty shops which no one seems to want to fill.

What's the point of upgrading St John Street when the heart of the city is so unloved?