Power playing-field
WITH regards to legislation allowing unregulated short-term accommodation, Launceston alderman Darren Alexander is right when he says hosting is a business. I have no doubt those operating these “businesses” will be claiming expenses in their tax returns. My understanding is that traditional accommodation, including motels and B&Bs etc, are charged business tariffs for electricity. I have no doubt there are numerous “businesses” only paying domestic rates with an obvious advantage over their traditional competitors. What is the policy of the Government and Aurora Energy on this? not five lanes and slip lanes where traffic has to merge from three to two lanes. Just take a look at the lanes on the Brooker Highway from Elwick Rd to Risdon Rd.
Flag not core business
COULD Mayor Hickey please explain the reasons for the flying of that flag over our Town Hall? Try as I may, I am unable to find where Hobart City Council has authority to promote any political or social group. Surely this is beyond its duty to ratepayers to provide the services for which aldermen were elected. I have heard the reason was to express inclusiveness. From what I understand, all that has been done is to promote division in the community, not unlike the reaction witnessed by the AFL in its effort to promote same-sex marriage.
Consult more broadly
CLARENCE City Council largely bypassed its community when it approved an almost 100m-long, five-storey building at Kangaroo Bay. Development is respected for its contribution to the economy, if it is suitable for the environment. Many may welcome a reasonably sized building, but has council: Been remiss by not enacting its community participation policy; deliberated over Christmas receiving 35 representations when they could have had many more at other times; been naive by simply letterboxing local residents (council is now holding a major public meeting to consult on a jetty); received public land from the State Government to sell to a developer for a price it has apparently refused to disclose; underestimated the cost of community members volunteering, holding meetings etc, and the cost to council dealing with objections?
Ratepayers pay the salaries of councillors. While developments are assessed against planning schemes, ratepayers deserve transparency, accountability and fair representation. Clarence has provided some great community facilities, but history may show it has made a largely “one side fits all” move. Its processes are surely examples of an increasing dilution of community engagement in planning and development applications.
Fantasia
I AM inspired by the metaphor of writer Stephen Jeffery where he says of the Hodgman Government: “Can’t wait until they unleash their business wizardry on TasWater” (Letters, September 21). My immediate mental image was of Walt Disney’s Fantasia and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice — the bucket brigade and the flood sequence. Nearly split my sides when I thought of the remake, Fantasmania.
Hoping for freedom
ANYONE of a certain age remembers the Korean War. It was awful as are all wars. The Kim dynasty has reared tyrannical despots that manifests today in Kim Jongun. He brainwashes the population to believe he is their saviour and has godlike status. The people are kept ignorant of anything pertaining to the rest of the world. I hope one day this country will enjoy the freedom it deserves.