New Spirit of Tasmania ships
TASMANIANS must think of what we need for the next 25 years with a new roll-on roll-off cargo and passenger ship.
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Key elements need to be all-weather speed with maximum load capacity, eight to 10 hours crossing from Geelong to either Devonport/Burnie. This means huge engine thrusting power, but with comfort, double decker one-way load unload (with four-hour unload/load and new crew turn-arounds), basic accommodation chairs with TV and self-serve meals ordered at departure.
Add to this good communication all way and free Tasmanian water, no pokies or gambling, kids game rooms based on age, nursing rooms, a helicopter pad. The modern line recently launched in Europe seems to do most of this out of Holland. Prior to our current ships being sold again have a three-year test for the cargo and passenger/cars market into Wollongong NSW and South Australia two trips a week to each place.
The other Spirit ship continues while this new ship proves up then in discussions with other states look to convert to an Australasia/Pacific Mercy Services Ship with invited mixed multinational rotating crews from each navy and Doctors without Borders through the Red Cross or United Nations for dentists, nurses, and other specialist needs who can sail into urgent sites with vehicles, rapid tenting, helicopters or for service in remote areas, with of course appropriate countries' agreement.
By agreement this can be paid for from an Australian gambling levy of ten cents in the dollar profit of gamers or operators. The test will be can the aluminium structure takes the metal fatigue and pressure for 25 years. The Welshpool to Bell Bay was a nightmare with a full-time on-board welder. The government to hold a warranty fee or drip purchase over at least 10 to 15 years or builder insurance.
Mike Grey, West Tamar.
Palliative care services
IT WAS interesting to read comments by Colleen Johnstone, CEO Palliative Care Tasmania regarding services available for end of life care in Tasmania (The Examiner, November 27)
In 2016, the then-Health Minister Michael Ferguson commissioned a feasibility study to determine if Launceston needed a dedicated hospice. The flawed study found a hospice was not needed, it also found services provided for palliative and end of life care in Northern Tasmania were adequate for the next two decades. At the time the study findings were released, Ms Johnstone publicly supported them. The Friends of Northern Hospice have been lobbying for a streamlining of these service since 2007 when Philip Oakden House closed. A dedicated home-like hospice would provide a centre of excellence, house all palliative and end-of life-care services and prevent unnecessary admissions to LGH emergency department. Care would be provided by patient's own GP. There could be one number for families to call 24/7 and assistance could be offered, either for the person to remain in their own home with adequate services, or for transfer to the dedicated facility. Why is it so difficult?