I would use a footpath if there was one. It's a winding road with some very narrow edges so I walk against the traffic most of the time and cross to the other side so I can get off the road when needed for my safety.

I have had times where I am walking along the road facing oncoming traffic and two vehicles travelling along the road have gone past me at the same time, and because of the narrowness of the road I've almost been knocked into the drain by one of the cars.

I've also had better times when the driver on my side of the road has slowed down until the other car has gone by. My thanks to those thoughtful drivers. If you've only driven along your country road, go for a walk so you can really see what it's like. And where can I sign up for my vest?

WHILE most Tasmanians are focused on COVID recovery and getting back to work, our government and the opposition are pushing through the Major Projects Bill that will completely change the democratic process for development approvals in Tasmania.

Currently development approvals go through local councils who understand and listen to the concerns of the community. This bill removes local councils from the process and thereby local voices.

Let's say two Bankers from Sydney want to get approval so foreign companies can build 67 noisy white wind towers 240 metre tall in a pristine environment where Tasmanians live and enjoy the country aspect and serenity. Local community will have no meaningful say. Oh, and the bill states there will be no "appeals process". If some development approvals get slowed or stopped there is usually a very good reason for it.

The government will tell you they are streamlining the process. They are right. China can build a factory/power station faster than any other country in the world. It appears that Tasmanian politicians have seen a model they like and are working rapidly towards it. Tasmanians, if you are happy to do away with the democratic process. Let's all sit back and watch this bill get passed and say nothing.

INFRASTRUCTURE and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson's refusal to review the state's laws on cannabis, contrary to his assertion, is simply a reinforcement of drug control more so than a safety issue (The Examiner, June 19).

Unlike alcohol, cannabis can only be detected as present or not present without any correlation to impairment, whereas the level of alcohol in a person's system can be identified and a level set as being the legal maximum. In true government fashion cannabis becomes a matter of all or nothing.

While cannabis can be detected in a user for six weeks or more after being used, there is absolutely no proof of impairment so long after usage and the user is no more dangerous on the road than a non-cannabis user. While there might be substance to accusations that some cannabis drivers have a slightly slower reaction time, I suggest that would be no slower than an elderly driver, who probably has vision issues as well.

Additionally, cannabis tends to make users calmer and less violent, the opposite of alcohol. For the record I am not a cannabis user, just someone who doesn't like to see the government enact laws on dodgy but politically convenient information.

ONE of the most disgusting and appalling habits some people have is spitting in public. It sickens me to the pit of my stomach, and in most municipal councils in Australia, it is against the law.

It should be banned in AFL or in any sporting features especially during this pandemic. It is constantly shown on our TV screens at AFL matches, players spitting, and later being thrown to the ground where many have spat. The Sunday Examiner (June 21) confirmed positive COVID-19-infected Essendon player Conner McKenna, was shown spitting and blowing his nose on the ground during training. How filthy and dangerous is that? Spitting should be banned in all sports, for the sake of hygiene.