Inspiring, but only half the story
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S TASMANIA
AS the nation watched Attenborough’s compelling account of Tasmania, I too sat in awe. I thought of the inspired tourists of tomorrow, eager to experience the wonders of Tassie. But unfortunately it was only half of the story. Sir David left the viewer unaware of the perilous plight of his film stars. The Tassie devil, the eastern quoll, the giant freshwater crayfish — these species are hanging by a thread. What these species urgently need are vast tracts of protected habitat. The wonder of Tassie’s nature is a large part of what supports our growing tourism industry, and our way of life. Instead of opening up currently protected East Coast reserves to logging, the Hodgman Government should be safeguarding the nature that makes Tasmania so unique and appealing to the world.
Tall trees
I DIDN’T catch the credits of Attenborough’s documentary on Sunday, but I’m sure they gave thanks to the hundreds of activists who have resisted the destruction of Tassie’s wild places since the days of the Franklin. Those tall trees really stole the show, and they’re only there today because brave community members stood up for them when both Labor and Liberal wanted to see them wood-chipped. devil were some of our trademark Tasmanian species, seen up close. Attenborough highlights that many have few predators and thrive in their idyllic natural habitats. What he neglected to mention is that these animals live in the unofficially named Roadkill Capital of the World, with half a million of their relatives killed every year. I wonder if tourists know their first encounter with these furry Tasmanians will be the bloody, broken remains that line our roads. What is our Government doing? Not much. lowed naturalists and environmental defenders. What more does it take to call our politicians to action? To protect ancient wilderness under threat by mining, logging and commercial exploitation; to protect habitat of our most celebrated fauna; to acknowledge and protect the world’s most ancient cultural living landscapes?
Step towards protection
I WAS watching David Attenborough’s Tasmania and noticed, like most Tasmanians, how beautiful this island is. But there was no talk on how it’s dying, on how the Government wants to open 420,000ha of ancient rainforest for logging, or that 96 per cent of the wombat population in Narawntapu is gone. We need to view this documentary as a step towards protecting our home, and taking action. Not just as an admiration of Tasmania’s serenity.
Great roadworks
CONGRATULATIONS to the people who organised and delivered the Macquarie (and side) streets resealing. Done at nights, little interruption for traffic, and a smooth surface finish. Thank you.
Compulsory reading
GOOD on Charles Wooley for his column ( Tasweekend, June 2-3). Everyone should read it. Twenty-nine councils in Tasmania? There should only be four. North, South, East and West. As for no cable car, what about a cafe or restaurant at the top of Mt Wellington, or whatever you want to call it, so people can enjoy the view in comfort with a nice warm hot chocolate or coffee in hand.
Bon voyage
SO, Charles Wooley, I take it you’ll be on the next plane out. Bon voyage, and give our regards to Leo Schofield.
Definition of Crown land
FIRSTLY, the State Government gives Crown land at Kangaroo Bay to Clarence Council who sell it to Chinese developers for a yet to be disclosed sum and now the council is trying to fast track a major development on Rosny Hill without appropriate community consultation. What an undemocratic sham and shame on Doug Chipman and the Premier. About time they looked up the definition of Crown land. Not happy Jan!