Footy folly

SO this year’s Claytons Tassie footy derby is at Ivory Tower Park tomorrow. Who from down South will turn up to keep Mick Leppard company? Perhaps the time-poor UTAS Vice-Chancellor will get out his helicopter so that he can give the royal wave from the corporate box? (PS “Claytons” is slang for a substitute, from the 1970s non-alcoholic mixer spruiked by Jack Thompson as “the drink you have when you are not having a drink.”)

Leading the way

READER Dale Greenwood (Letters, August 5) and other correspondents have bemoaned the lack of challenge and loss of interest in Tasmanian football. Maybe they should follow the local soccer format, one governing body (Football Federation Tasmania) controlling all competitions and leagues. State soccer now has extra challenges to aspire to. The holder of the State KO Cup qualifies for the FFA Cup. A nationwide competition featuring 64 teams from Darwin to Hobart, plus A

Double standards

WHEN government MPs rort their travel allowances they say the process is the problem when in fact it is fraud. When a business man/woman steals money he/ she is called a disgraced business man/ woman when it is fraud or stealing. When the Commonwealth Bank of Australia launders money for the fraudsters or disgraced, the bank claims “we made a few mistakes”, when it is a fraud to hide money for the rich. If a low-income worker makes a mistake with Centrelink, he/she is penalised immediately as a fraudster.

I think there’s something wrong here.

Nice for some

THANK you Hobart aldermen for voting for five of yourselves to travel to Japan to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a sistercity relationship. One might ask why it takes five to represent the city, but maybe we should be grateful we are not expected to send all 12 on this mission. I’m sure this investment in travel, accommodation and associated expenditures reinforces the

Heritage assets

HOW refreshing to read architect Garry Forward’s Talking Point article (Mercury, July 25) expressing a view consistent with many who are concerned with the Liberal Government planning agenda. Forward clearly exposed the myth the Government’s new statewide planning scheme provides a simpler, cheaper, faster and more certain process. As Forward points out, the new scheme is framed on subjective, discretionary provisions that lead to community division, planning appeals, delays and higher costs for everyone. Forward also expresses concern over the future of our urban heritage, which is a view consistent with those who have a desire to see our built heritage protected, enhanced and remain a valuable asset.

Transition of heritage properties to commercial opportunities is potentially a game changer. The original Battery Point Planning Scheme, and those responsible for its drafting 40 years ago, saved the Salamanca warehouse buildings and many other assets. If our planning minister cannot grasp the potential of our urban heritage, maybe the minister for heritage can.