Westbury Prison
GREG Hall has promoted a correctional centre in the Meander Valley for years, if not decades. His vision for the Meander Valley is not one that embraces our scenic agricultural landscapes, strong community values, heritage-rich towns and the increasing tourism dollars that all of these things bring.
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Rather, he imagines a future in which the Meander Valley will be forever identified as a provider of correctional services.
This is not a vision of prosperity. It is a vision of a municipality made dependent on tax-payer dollars for generations to come.
The placement of a 270-bed maximum-security prison in the Meander Valley is indeed a game-changer.
It will change this community irrevocably and forever. This is Greg Hall's dream. However, it is not mine and I suspect it's not one shared by many people in this beautiful part of the world. Everyone in the Meander Valley needs to carefully consider whether this prison aligns with their own vision for the future of this wonderful part of Tasmania.
Nancy McLeod, Westbury.
LGH nurses
HAVING recently spent six nights in the Launceston General Hospital, I would like to thank the staff of ward 5B for the care and kindness shown - brilliant.
Ian Phillips, Deloraine.
Bushfire victims
No matter how bad life can be for some, there is always somebody worse off. These poor bushfire victims are suffering incredible, unimaginable, devastating problems. Their homes are burned to the ground, they have no clothes, no cars, limited escape routes, no access to power or water.
Some will never recover and their lives have been shattered. Today, with all the respect I can muster, I will turn on my light, knowing many can't do that, and I admire the fortitude they show in facing the future and hope our wonderful Australian community to support those who desperately need our help. I know I would be the first to donate. May a cool refreshing breeze blow gently in their faces and the path ahead lies clear, with hope, direction and security.
Peter Doddy, Trevallyn
Sport for older people
I was impressed with the article on women's' sport by Brian Coe and thought you should be aware of some Tasmanian ladies involved in international events. Also, the poor accolades given to older sportspeople, male and female, who manage to achieve something special. In 2018, fice Tasmanians were selected on a seven-member Australian team to compete at the World Masters fin-swimming championships.
These five people returned home with a world record, two gold, one silver and six bronze medals. As coach of the Australian team, I was disappointed in the response of local media to these results. Australia was seventh out of 44 countries. We are sending a team again this year for an event in June.
Helen Lane, Montagu Bay.
