Greyhound Off leash Area
I AM so grateful to have such a fabulous council that listened.
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I approached Andrea Dawkins who took the idea and ran with it urging the council to lobby the government for change.
Credit too to the government for meeting with me and for changing the legislation to facilitate the off leash for pet greyhounds.
Peter Gutwein and Mark Shelton listened and acted accordingly.
From the Tasmanian pet greyhound owners group great and from my darling two greyhounds Spock and Gracie-May, my heartfelt thanks.
I am sure this will enable more greyhounds to be adopted and accepted for the wonderful gentle breed they are.
Rosie Saville, Launceston.
The Cost of coronavirus
AT least 80 per cent of the Australian population will suffer no economic loss from this virus.
However, their ability to spend as in previous years will be impacted with so many events cancelled, and restrictions on social activities and overseas travel.
This large group will have money in their pockets and, I believe could make significant contributions to governments' provisions for those less fortunate.
I am reminded of the Victory Certificates we could purchase during World War II.
One paid 16 shillings for each certificate with the government promising to pay one pound several years later.
Thus, over its life the certificate earned its holder a total of 25 per cent compound interest.
Different times and different interest rates, but never-the-less the basic principle remains. Borrow money now from the population at large and pay back with interest in the future. Maybe we could purchase income tax credits?
The purpose of these measures is to spread the cost widely, rather than just the federal coffers and repay its cost over a prolonged period of time.
I know it can be argued that the government will ultimately foot the bill, but the impact will be defused and maybe keep our country from negative growth.
It is suggested that certificates could be sold for $90, redeemable in five or six years time, for $100.
Dick James, Launceston.
Banding Together
IN this time of uncertainty and lack of essential foodstuffs can we band together and share ideas in the newspaper and on line, recipes for simple soups, meatless stews and vegetarian staples, and ways to stretch our budgets further.
It could be a time for our older residents to shine, by contributing ideas and recipes for people to try while they are in self quarantine. Australians need to support each other in whatever way they can, even if it's from their homes.
Stay well everyone and find different ways to stay connected during this trying time.
S Langerak, Hadspen.
Finding purpose
IF you are staying home use it as an opportunity to catch up on housekeeping/ cleaning, tidy/organise wardrobes and cupboards, sew those buttons back on, sort unneeded clothing and belongings ready to donate. Do any small maintenance you can manage yourself.
Tidy and organise the garage, garden shed, clean, oil your gardening tools, turn mattresses over and vacuum them, sort laundry products and dispose of properly, hang up those artworks/photos.
Deal with those photos you want to keep, take some photos inside - look at everyday objects from a different angle, make things with your children - have fun, interact with pets more than usual, spend time in sunshine. It can perk you up. Have a purpose most days. Projects to plan, organise and do .
J Breen, Newnham.
Exceptional leadership
LAUNCESTON'S Mayor Albert van Zetten's address at last Thursday's council meeting to aldermen and public audience regarding coronavirus needs to be published in its entirety.
Most importantly it illustrates leadership for Launceston, which we expect from our civic leaders.
Mayor Zetten is reinforcing the warning given earlier in the week by Professor Raina MacIntyre which is now proving to be taking place. We must heed her warning and comply with her four recommendations. Identify, track contacts and isolate them, travel restrictions, staying within local area and social distancing are very important.
Council demonstrated this at its Thursday's meeting. We as a community have a responsibility to protect our health professionals and lessen demands on our public hospitals. Premier Peter Gutwein is showing exceptional leadership.
Brian P Khan, Bridport.
Out of Bad Comes Good
OUT of this terrible virus pandemic has come some good news. Air pollution around the world has dramatically dropped. How important is that to our planet?
The canals of Venice have become so clear (due to very limited activity on them) it is now possible for the first time in over 30 years, to see the bottom. Also spending more time with your immediate family isn't a bad thing.
It's a pity it has taken something so serious as a deadly virus to give the world a much needed reprieve from the ravages of that other health scourge facing our planet; pollution.
Robert Lee, Summerhill.