Where's the informed judgement?
I WAS asked today what I thought about Sweden's approach to COVID-19?
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I think the implication within the question was something like: "Well it is going OK there, so why does Australia/Victoria have to be so rigorous about lockdowns?"
I responded that I believed the death rate in Sweden was much higher than in Australia, and immediately received some push back by a couple of people present.
At the time my recollections were a couple of months out of date, so I couldn't counter with facts.
The people were sure the Swedes hadn't had a serious problem. So, I looked up the World Health Organisation stats.
Sweden with a population of about 10 million has just under 6000 deaths and 90,000 cases recorded. Australia has a bit under 900 dead and 30,000 cases recorded and a population of about 25 million.
Firstly, Australia seems to have about one death per 1000 cases and Sweden has about two deaths per 1000 cases.
Perhaps they have tested fewer people and have discovered fewer of their cases which would explain such a difference.
But, if Australia had the same death rate as Sweden, we would have had about 15000 deaths, not the 900 we have had, a factor of 16 fewer deaths.
What do I think of Sweden's approach? Well, I can't print it here.
But perhaps more important is the question. What is the source of the misinformation present in our own community that is so destructive to common sense and sound, well-informed judgement?
It's not the ABC that's for sure.
M Fyfe, Riverside.
Swift parrot debacle worsens
ENVIRONMENT Minister Roger Jaensch needs to be advised of a few more facts about the pre-emptive blocking of the swift parrot nesting hollows for a proposed road widening.
The swift parrot is a critically endangered species, therefore the actions taken by the Department of State Growth are in contravention of the Biodiversity Code of the Break 'O Day Planning Scheme.
The minister says it's about diversion, so the birds can go somewhere else before the trees are cut down, already assuming the project will go ahead.
Hollows for nesting sites are increasingly disappearing due to land clearing, reduction burns and development.
Birds cannot just move into other nesting sites, as we cannot move into our neighbour's house when ours is gone.
This road widening and proposed tree removal is still in the development stage, has not yet been approved, and is required to go through a lengthy process before any work can be done. Given the many local objections to the plan, it may never happen. In the meantime, where will the birds go ?
Are we to lose yet more of these beautiful but critically endangered species just so motorists can have a passing lane and drive 20 kilometres faster on a short stretch of road?
Keep the trees, keep the birds, and leave the road and speed limit as it is.
Beris Hansberry, Goulds Country.
Million dollar donations
UNFORTUNATELY, the fact is that 90 per cent of all bookings to accommodation venues are through the various platforms such as booking.com or Airbnb, which are overseas companies.
On that basis, of the $7.5 million voucher grants some $1 million has been generously donated to these companies by way of commissions.
Why wasn't it stipulated that these vouchers were to be booked directly with registered Tasmanian accommodation businesses?
Stephen de Launay, Scottsdale.
Why the need to import
HOW unbelievably stupid. Surely our Tasmanian farmers can grow enough potatoes to supply the Tasmanian market without the need to import?
The government and minister are supporting outside competition which will force prices our farmers get down even further.
Don't complain when you can't buy local because they have been forced off their land.