GOLF COURSE CULLING
THE first point I'd like to make is that rabbits are an introduced pest.
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We have been trying to eradicate them Australia wide for decades. Wallabies?
In WA, the Sun City Golf Club had a lot of problems about five years ago with native animal lovers tearing down the perimeter fences to let the "poor little creatures" onto the course to eat all the lovely green grass. The course was overrun. Then the poor little creatures started to die in large numbers.
The problem was that, due to such a concentration in one place, their droppings were not breaking down properly and a massive outbreak of intestinal worms had occurred. The animal lovers were directly responsible for the suffering and death of the animals. Don't let emotions overrule common sense.
Peter Carroll, Devonport.
WOOD HEATER USAGE
THERE are two likely reasons for the laid back approach by councils when it comes to tackling air pollution from wood heaters. Firstly, a lack of resources.
Secondly, an acceptance that wood burning has been a cheap source of heating for many Tasmanians. However, these reasons should not apply to new residential development approvals. Councils should be exploring ways to alleviate the existing problem by avoiding an increase in wood heaters in new and redeveloped homes.
No matter how fashionable wood heaters maybe there is proven data which shows they create poor air quality in Launceston and surrounding areas in winter and they contribute to poor health outcomes for the general population.
Pamela Allan, Launceston.
PALLIATIVE CARE WEEK
I NOTE it is Palliative Care Week (The Examiner, May 21).
I was recently, and unexpectedly, diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas and am amazed at the range of support available locally, but more particularly, the quality of the palliative staff in Launceston.
All those I have seen have exhibited great compassion to accompany their specialised palliative care training. We have shared tears which have helped me and my family cope at this difficult time. My thanks to them all.
Robin Claxton, Dilston.
A JOB WELL DONE
RETIRING Governor Professor Kate Warner has filled the role with dignity and warmth. I had the pleasure of visiting Government House and found that to be a truly impressive occasion. I was particularly impressed with how our Governor and her husband mingled with all those present, engaging in easy conversations. Well done, you have served us exceedingly well.
Dick James, Launceston.
ELIZABETH TOWN LAND SALE
AFTER reading the article in (The Sunday Examiner, May 30), it leads me to ask a couple of questions. Firstly, how many representative groups are there for the Tasmanian Aborigines? Secondly, is this just a hint of things to come?
Aboriginal groups throughout Tasmania are constantly receiving land grants from government and private individuals, does the proposed sale of this parcel of land mean that all Aboriginal land is now on the market when it suits whatever representative council controls it deems fit?
Ken Terry, Bridport.
GREENS PERSPECTIVE
THE editorial (The Examiner, May 27) heavily criticised The Greens for "a misleading lack of perspective" on a new tailings dam in the takayna/Tarkine.
It is unfortunate, and also deeply alarming, that such vitriol for The Greens has skewed a basic understanding of facts on the matter. The facts don't lie.
The takayna/Tarkine's values are not subjective. Because of its outstanding heritage value, the Australian government's independent expert advisory body on heritage - the Australian Heritage Council - declared the takayna/Tarkine should be entered (and subsequently better protected) on the National Heritage List.
Despite this being ignored by our government, you'd think it'd be a pretty clear indicator that stringent best practices be adopted by mining and forestry operations in the region.
Yet the mining company currently in question - MMG - is bulldozing rainforests before the dam has been assessed under federal legislation.
This is despite MMG's own report highlighting impacts on federally listed endangered species.
This hardly instils hope for best practice in the second-largest remaining tract of temperate rainforest left on Earth.
This is not just about environmental principles; economic realities make traditional mercenary approaches to mining and logging unsustainable.
There's more value in leaving Tasmania's forests than there is in carving them up.
Tourism in Tasmania employs 42,000 jobs, over a sixth of all Tasmanian employment.
Nature-based tourism is an enormous driver in this market. Mining, by comparison, employs only 3790 people.
Protecting the Tarkine/takayna is a sustainable economic investment, with the potential for huge dividends for jobs and local community income.
Carbon banking and the associated health benefits of carbon storage shouldn't be ignored either.
It is time for the enablers of mining and logging to face facts about the future.
We all want sustainable and stronger economic outcomes for Tasmania, so embrace some vision and help build a better future.