Poor planning costly
AT no point did I refer to taking away appeal rights as part of implementing an independent planning authority and taking planning away from Councils (Talking Point, March 13). To properly administer a planning scheme it requires experts who fully understand it rather than a group of “elected officials” that make decisions and interpret the planning scheme at times based on their personal opinions rather than the planning scheme itself. I have witnessed this constantly in my time on council. What is disturbing is the costs associated with poor decisions, not only to the objector or developer. It is the ratepayers that also bear that cost. This is detrimental to both sides of any appeal process and was not my intentions of suggested changes.
An independent planning authority
Consider bridge changes
THE letter regarding the closure of the Tasman Bridge to traffic whenever a large ship passes under was spot on. A few weeks ago the bridge was closed to allow an icebreaker through to refuel. I was caught in the traffic from the northern suburbs which was banked up to the Risdon Rd roundabout and down to Cornelian Bay. All would have had their motors running, wasting money and adding to pollution. The requirement for the closures came as a result of the disaster in January 1975, 43 years ago.
Circumstances have changed since then. I understand all large ships have a pilot and are escorted by tugs. The direct and indirect costs to the community of the current requirements must be quite significant. One sensible solution would be to allow ships with a pilot to pass without closure of the bridge from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset. I can’t help but wonder what vested interests are involved in the current procedure.
Exorbitant rates
COULD not agree more with Michael Hobden (Letters, March 14). Hobart City Council rates are grossly exorbitant. My wife and I have rates north of $12,500.
Hydro greatness
“BRING back Hydro’s glory days” by Mervin Reed is an exciting concept and would surely create serious debate among the people (Talking Point, March 12). I for one can well remember the great days of the Hydro and I certainly do not want to be in a position of relying on solar or wind power and the cost of gas seems to ever increase.
The infrastructure works require some major engineering and rebuilding in areas but surely we have people with the necessary skills and the ability to procure the materials to complete these projects and bring Tasmania back to the forefront of power generation in Australia.
Recycling despair
WHAT hope is there? Went to the Glenorchy tip to get rid of some old timber, building rubble and household rubbish. While I was unloading my trailer a person pulled up beside me and emptied a large garbage bag of aluminium drink cans on the tip face. I pointed out they were recyclable. They asked if I were the police. I said “no, but I have an environmental conscience”.
I hope they retain that wit when the child who was with them grows up and wants to know why it costs so much to dispose of rubbish and why the planet is choking with trash.