AGFEST CLOUD NUMBERS
TO the new premier and team, we have helped you return to the podium, now we need you to revisit the numbers for Agfest.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
WA was on the edge of lockdown last week and AFL players were in Perth, but they got an exemption to play in Hobart on Sunday even though they came from a COVID hotspot.
Agfest is a party in a big paddock with its patrons coming from a bigger paddock.
Agfest has a limit of 10,00 people a day, Symmons Plains had 22,000 attend and similar numbers at the footy.
Agfest has had nearly no government handouts in 38 years, run by volunteers and helps to grow our youth into future leaders.
I am not happy and everyone I talk to is the same.
Rob Bayles, Agfest original committee member.
TRAINS V BIKES
THE North-East Railway line from Scottsdale to Lilydale needs to remain intact for one very important reason, our elderly deserve the option to ride on a train as they obviously cannot ride a bicycle.
I come in contact with quite a few elderly with my work and they often tell me how lovely it would be to have a ride on a train.
I feel that the elderly are left out of the equation when there are debates over trains versus bikes. Come on, let's give respect to our elderly for they have done enough in life so now they deserve a well-earned rest on a train ride, after all, don't the cyclists already have enough rail trails?
Patrick Dean, Scottsdale.
NOTHING TO CELEBRATE
THE Greens, all two of them, are celebrating that their vote increased in the election. However, the number of Greens pollies did not increase, still just two, so they will still have the minimal influence as they did before the election.
Can't see that is anything to celebrate.
Alan Leitch, Austins Ferry.
TONE DEAFNESS
PEOPLE have voted soundly to continue with a crumbling health system, secret deals and other woes.
However, the Premier has said that he has heard the message loud and clear on health. Clearly, they have been tone-deaf for the past three years.
Peter M Taylor, Midway Point.
TAMAR RIVER SILT
THERE are two major causes relating to the condition of the Tamar River.
The City of Launceston council puts 40,000 tonnes of silt into the river (as quoted at a public meeting at the Tailrace Centre) per year which must be dredged out.
Raking is not the answer.
The council must invest in a good dredge.
There are plenty of places to transfer the silt to.
Harwood Cut cold be refilled, or flat areas in Riverside could be also used to prevent flooding on farmland.
The Hydro should restore the Duck Reach Power Station thus also allowing water to flow through the Gorge, our major tourist attraction.
The Hydro has made millions out of Gorge water in the past so they should contribute to its restoration.
Upgrade the sewerage to prevent the silt from entering the river.
Geoff Martin, Riverside.
A CYNICAL VIEW
WELL, it's all over once again, bar the odds and ends and our pollies can put their Santa suits back into mothballs until next time.
Now, we poor suckers can only wait and see just how many of the pledges and promises will really be adhered to.
Not a lot I fear, unless, as sweet Sue Hickey said, they come up on Tattslotto.
Not that I'm a cynic or anything (much).
Richard Hill, Newstead.
POLITICAL DONATION LAWS
THE commitment from the Liberal and Labor parties to disclose the details of all sizable donations is hollow indeed if disclosure doesn't shine any light on what special interests the donor is advancing with the donation.
It's time we banned all donations to political parties and gave all competing candidates the identical and modest promotional budget to get their message to the electorate.
The laws are a blight on our democracy.
Owen Davies, Battery Point.
BROKEN PROMISES
PETER Gutwein has led the Liberals to a historic third term in government, thanks to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic which can't be faulted.
Will he be able to fulfil all those promises especially the out-of-control-health system remains to be seen?
Maybe we all live on the hope that the federal government is willing to cough up wads of cash, that's unlikely, even if the government is not shy about deficit-spending.
Tasmania's MPs must come together more.
They need an effective urban caucus focused on the crippling health care system that overlaps any federal jurisdiction.
The Liberals need to set priorities and speak with one strong voice.
While an individual MP talking about money and the health crisis won't necessarily be heard, four, six or eight of them speaking in unison will.
If this means reaching across party lines through the region - gasp, so be it.
Did we elect anybody who does not think bulk billing is a good idea?