Time to embrace expansion

GLENORCHY CITY COUNCIL

WELL, the report is out and hopefully Glenorchy will now move forward as it should. The only way Hobart can expand is north, so Glenorchy will be the hub of activity in the future. Development should take into account the natural expansion of the capital and, hopefully, we can end up with a council that has the necessary vision to capitalise. The pokies need to go. Traffic issues need to be addressed. We have a shopping centre here and a shopping centre there, let’s look at a development plan that takes into account a centralised precinct. Moonah could become the next North Hobart with regard to restaurants. Possibilities are endless. as chairman of the association’s commerce and industry advisory committee and having been responsible for the Glenorchy Industrial Survey 1970 for submission to the Tasmanian Agent-General in London (when Glenorchy had the highest concentration of secondary industry in Tasmania), it is with a sad heart I read of the problems associated with Glenorchy City Council.

Sad, because Glenorchy, the fourth largest municipality in Tasmania with a population of 45,000, was one of Tasmania’s finest, with outstanding mayors (Ken Lowrie, Dennis Fall, David Shields and Adriana Taylor), town clerks/general managers like Jack Dean, Stuart Wardlaw, Greg Alomes, David Lovell and Frank Pearce, not to mention that wonderful man and long-term alderman (and “Father of Glenorchy”) Percival Jacques. I pay tribute to mayoral and executive support administration officer (to five mayors) with 35 years’ service, June King, for her generous advice to business and community organisations.

Tasmania does not need 29 councils but only about 10. Neither does Tasmania need two Houses of Parliament, but a single Parliament of 35 members. The savings could be used in health, education and aged care.

Amalgamate

I AGREE concerning amalgamation of the dysfunctional Huon and Glenorchy councils (Letters, November 30). The Hobart and Clarence city councils also have problems, so why doesn’t the Government show initiative and amalgamate A new way to have your say themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website. these four councils? The timing couldn’t be better. Clarence City Council has ratepayers up in arms with the sale and development at Kangaroo Bay (sold at a rock bottom price) along with the Southern Cross Homes development on part of the public golf course. Wasn’t this section of the golf course cut off to create separate affordable housing?

Governance query

THE term “good governance” has resonated through Glenorchy City Council over the past three years.

Sadly many poor examples have been highlighted through official investigations and revealed by the Mercury. Tony McMullen is doing a stellar job as acting general manager and maybe he is the best person to lead the city forward. However, I am astounded a robust recruiting process was not put in place as a demonstration of best practice.

Rates worry

THE mayor and aldermen have been sacked, the Board of Inquiry has been tabled in Parliament, legal action hopefully has finished but all at what expense to the ratepayers of Glenorchy? Hopefully, when a new council has been elected, rates will not increase to cover all the expenses incurred in determining that the city had a dysfunctional group, though not all, in charge.

Too hot for paws

IF the pavement is too hot for you to put the palm of your hand on to, then it is too hot for your dog’s little pads. A walk for a dog is like his Mercury newspaper to learn about all who have gone before him, not just to walk in the midday heat.

Thank you so much

HAVING had three unexpected visits to the RHH emergency department in 10 days, I must thank everyone I met along the way, doctors, nurses, cleaners, those involved in meals, X-ray and many more. Your professionalism 100 per cent all the way helps so much when one is not well. Also the wonderful ambulance crews. Thank you all so much and may God bless you all.

Moving them on

REMOVING gambling from pubs/clubs would see mostly addicts turn up at the casino. Kind of ironic.

Way of the thylacine

WHAT came first, the swift parrot or the egg? No point asking, when nesting trees vital to their survival as a species are being cut down in known breeding areas. Must they go the way of the thylacine? If so, ignorance cannot be used as a reason for their sad demise.