After reading a recent plea for more donors I plucked up the courage and headed down to Lifeblood Launceston this week for my very first blood donation. And I have to say, my experience far exceeded my nervous expectations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff in Launceston, and also the staff from further afield for their incredible professionalism, kindness, good humour and ability to put a first timer like me at complete ease. The work they do is vital and after my positive experience I urge others to consider signing up to donate blood or plasma too. Not just at this time of public health uncertainty, but as an ongoing gift of life and love for your community.

The Red Cross reports that one in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, but only one in 30 will give blood each year. Until this week I was part of the 97 per cent who refrained. Not anymore. Of course, not everyone is able to give blood. There are many reasons. But if you can, please consider giving. You won't regret it, and your community will be ever grateful.

Heidi King, Launceston.

OBVIOUSLY our Prime Minister Scott Morrison has learned to listen to experts in their fields of expertise and it is possible to work with members of the other political parties and even the dreaded union leaders.

Having declared that he was off to the footy on Friday night, but having heeded the advice of the Chief Medical Officer suddenly no one was going to the footy. Despite some minor differences the states have shown a spirit of cooperation in working to minimise the effects of the virus.

Having shown that he is willing to listen to the scientists, could this, perhaps, extend to climate change and with the same consensus act with the opposition and other interested parties to help resolve a problem which is just as serious as COVID-19, and similarly affects the whole world and will result in serious economic consequences.

A Carter, Mowbray.

THIS week I have spent a lot of time looking into the 1999 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act which was proclaimed at its inception by federal government and environment groups to revolutionise the Commonwealth's involvement in environmental issues and improve conservation outcomes.

It is now over 20 years since the EPBC Act was legislated and evidence suggests that it has fallen consistently well short of expectations. Submissions into the effectiveness of the Act closed today (April 17), but I am disappointed that despite frequent reviews and recommendations, the Act continues to fail to properly protect our natural environment and endangered species.

My other concern is that the panel of reviewers for this year does not include any independent ecologists or environmental scientists. I wonder if this year's EPBC Act review will just be shelved alongside previous reviews, with no effective changes implemented.

Felicity Holmes, Blackmans Bay.

I THINK it would be a real pity to remove the Thylacines from the mall.

I love the way they are on the ground amongst the foot traffic.

They are a reminder of our history of lack of connection to our local natural landscape, they're playful and the children love them.

As far as I know they do not move or bite.

Claire Barber, West Launceston.

WHY not create a huge rock feature that can't be climbed on and place the statues on it?

Roger Lette, Eastwood.

THERE is no need for the statues to be lifted.

They are obvious.

If you can't see them and fall over them you're either drunk (you probably tripped on your own feet three times before you fell over the statue).

Or, you have your face in your phone (put your phone down while you walk and you won't have a problem).

There is also a third option which is trying to make a quick buck by getting a payout, saying you "fell" over them.

You can't blame everyone and everything else for your own stupid and careless actions.

Kathy Smith, Launceston.

WHY not encase them in a clear glass case?

Susan Ansell, Melbourne.

PLEASE put the statues up.

At present they are below your line of sight, hence the many trips and falls.

Why not put them on a low wooden platform, with cushioning, so kiddies can still climb on them?

A 20 to 25 centimetre high stage, which would make them more visible.

Not high enough for littlies to really hurt themselves.

And put a disclaimer plaque on the platform as well if the council is worried about liability.

Frances Shaw, Westbury.