Some decisions that were made "back in the day", would not get approval in the year 2021.

Yet we, Northern Tasmanians, continue to live with these repercussions.

Despite the human impact, there are now arguments against having further impact.

Instead, we are told to "learn to love the mudflats".

The argument for no action and to let the river correct itself doesn't add up when the river has been altered as per human design.

Regardless of what camp you sit in - action or inaction, there is a common acceptance by all that the river is a vital asset for Launceston's future, just as it has been throughout its past.

Unfortunately, as business owner Karen Burbury said, the change needed in the river will be generational. Many people will not live to see improvements.

But this should not mean that we do nothing.

The Launceston Chamber of Commerce was right to call for an independent body with teeth to form and enforce policy in relation to the river.

As the executive officer David Peach told The Examiner in November, "There are many stakeholders all wanting what's best for the Tamar; that much is a given. But what's best differs for each group, and for valid, important reasons that need to be heard and matched against opposing views. It'd be fair to say that there is actually a lot of shared ambition. That needs to be recognised and where opposition occurs, treat that as knowledge, not dispute; and work toward common ground."

Those working in the space of the river are doing so with the resources they have available. When every arm of government is involved the bureaucracy can halt good intentions.

Now is the time to create an authority that represents all stakeholders, but in particular represent the river.

Until we have that unity, we will have another generation of very little change, which means very little opportunity.