ROAD UPGRADES
WE need action from the government, both federal and state, on our roads.
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For too long now, Tasmania has put up with substandard main arterial highways.
The Bass highway between Deloraine and Latrobe is a prime example.
Narrow and lacking vision, this so-called highway is a major freight corridor from the ports of Devonport and Burnie, but it is also a main tourist route.
With a federal election coming up, now would be the perfect time, Prime Minister to call for federal funds to upgrade this route to national highway standard, two lanes each way, divided by barriers.
It's a matter of urgency, as our beautiful state keeps growing, the infrastructure must grow with it, or we are heading for worse congestion than ever in years to come.
Phil Sims, Devonport.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
TREATY TALKS
In your recent article by Adam Holmes titled "Treaty talks to take next step forward" (The Examiner, June 23) it appears that both the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and the Tasmanian government are moving towards a Treaty.
It seems to me that if a Treaty is ever to be successful we need to examine the existing treaty which was established on February 6, 1840 in New Zealand - The Treaty of Waitangi, which among other things established the right for Maori people of New Zealand to have representation in the parliament.
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This representation initially was four seats but today it is seven seats.
Any discussions around the future of Treaties in Australia should also look at introducing dedicated seats in the Commonwealth government which would enable First Nations people not just recognition but also a strong say in the policy decisions that impact specifically on First Nations people.
To achieve dedicated seats in parliament is possible with the will of all Australians to support
the states by dedicating one of their Senate positions for a duly elected First Nations person.
This elected person would be voted by registered First Nations people.
Alan Perrin, Clarence Point.
RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING
WITH the announcement of the current draft recreational sea fishing strategy and along with that, the open invitation for anglers to participate in its development, I hope our emerging King George Whiting fisheries are front and centre of discussions.
Confusing is the implementation of a bag limit reduction for recreational fishers from 30 per person down to five fish per person in recent years on the basis of claimed sustainability concerns.
Conversely the commercial sector maintains an unlimited catch allowance for this very same species.
Do King George Whiting need protection or not?
When I questioned IMAS further on this fishery, I was informed that more information would be provided in the upcoming months, well outside the timeframe for inclusion in this document.
I urge the relevant Minister, Mr Guy Barnett to take a strong interest in not only the commercial catch of this species but also on how it is reported .
I feel like myself , he will soon find there are more questions than answers in regards to how this species is currently being managed .
