Perfect just the way it is

CABLE CAR

AS a regular visitor to Hobart, there are two things that concern me about the cable car proposal. Firstly, the cost. Last year I was lucky to holiday in the Cairns area with my daughter’s family. We had hoped to go on the Skyrail (their version of the cable car), however a family of four was going to cost $192.50 return so we decided to forego it. It made me think that if the cable car gets running, it would be too expensive for most local families. Secondly, I was upset to hear that a three-storey carpark is proposed for next to the historic Cascade Brewery as part of the base station. It will look terrible, as will the infrastructure going up the mountain.

Hobart is perfect just the way it is. coaches at any point in time. The Hobart Lord Mayor indicated to me that she likes this alternative and I have advised the Aldermen of Hobart by email.

Hodgman’s surprise

MINISTER Gutwein’s arrogant behaviour and lack of concern for the views of the electorate are not a surprise. However, signing off on a major intrusion to the environment of kunanyi/Mt Wellington just as an election is called, is reminiscent of the lack of transparency and due process of governments in the Gunns pulp mill fiasco! To begin this process without reference to the Aboriginal community clearly shows a lack of respect for their views and heritage. Premier Hodgman may think it is a “storm in a teacup” ( Mercury, February 15) and he didn’t need to be informed by his Minister. Really? He may be unpleasantly surprised by the size of the teacup and of the storm that it contains! who have lived here for many generations. The onus is on the Tasmanian Government and councils to preserve, cherish and protect our iconic scenic sights and assets, especially our mountain.

Secret deals

ON 19 January, the Mount Wellington Cableway Company sent an email to selected South Hobart residents inviting them to a community forum on February 5 and asked them to “respond with any particular aspects of the proposal you wish covered on the night”. On January 25, the same day Minister Gutwein secretly approved MWCC to commence drilling on the mountain, South Hobart residents who had responded as requested to the MWCC invitation, received a second email from MWCC stating that “due to unforeseen circumstances, the event due for 5th February has been postponed to better coincide with the public release of our latest concept design for community feedback”. Now we know why. They had got what they wanted, a sweetheart deal from government. The election was called three days later and any chance for redress by the community has been stifled by the Government’s cynical and duplicitous action.

This Government’s lack of transparency and track record of secret deals with this developer are a gross breach of public trust and are morally repugnant. Such behaviour further strengthens the call for a well-resourced Integrity Commission with teeth.

Forgotten voters

FOR as long as I can remember, and I am in my 70s, every election time pensioners were high on the list of priorities. I don’t recall hearing anything at all at this stage. It is impossible to manage on the pension as the cost of living keeps going up and it gets harder to manage on our pittance.

Certainly not great

WITH his latest insane thought bubble to give teachers guns, Donald Trump seeks to take the US back to the days of the Wild West. Meanwhile, China develops alliances with Pacific nations, world leadership shifts to Europe and Russia undermines the US. Trump is not making America great.

What’s next?

TRUMP’S solution to the Florida school shooting is to arm teachers. What next? A double lesson of biology and bazookas with Mr Smith?

Whiff of fear

VOTERS have decided on their preferred premier-to-be. Now it just remains for them to vote for her party and lead her to govern. Rebecca White will not let us down. There’s a whiff of fear in Franklin if the small fortune spent on Liberal posters is any guide.

Federal election bid

WILL there be a box on the ballot paper for the Federal Group when we vote on March 3? They seem to be dominating the advertising campaign.