Long-stay focus
nual growth of 7 per cent. If this rate of increase is maintained, we will have 1.34 million visitors by the end of 2020 but, with the rate decreasing, the number is likely to level out lower than this.
Has anyone got an answer to why visitor numbers are levelling off? Could it be mainland visitors are responding to increased overcrowding of tourist venues and higher prices driven by overseas visitors?
Peter McGlone Tasmanian Conservation Trust
Riding the rails
IT seems a distant memory but 40 years ago the last passenger rail service in Tasmania ceased operating with the muchloved Tasman Limited retired from service. With tourism gaining rapid momentum, it’s a pity the days of rail travel are gone. Tasman Limited provided a fabulous scenic rail journey between Hobart and Wynyard via Western Junction with a cafeteria and a hostess and tour guide providing commentary and refreshments. Maybe one day locals and our visitors can again experience and enjoy the marvels of rail travel in our popular, beautiful state. themercury.com.au readers have another 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.
SAD campers
CHARLES Wooley believes I am a SAD victim, suffering “seasonal adjustment disorder” ( Mercury, July 21) because of my suggestion that one of the fastest growing and sustainable tourist industries in our country could be located temporarily at Mac Point for the next 3-5 years. I speak of RV’s or motorhomes. Reader C. Merridew (Letters, July 21) suggested the foreshore near the Regatta Ground. Great idea. These travellers are parking in Hobart streets and parks near the river, wherever they can find a spot, so why not help them? They are cashed up and they support our community. It’s all part of our draft Transport Strategy and I invite all Hobart residents to have their say. So important is this consultation, time has now been extended an additional two weeks. WELL done, Alderman Christie, for recognising the value of “grey nomads” to our economy. Almost daily we read about the importance of tourism and how the Government must subsidise another seven-star hotel or exclusive private operator to cater for overnight visitors and day trippers. Imagine the benefits to Tasmania, especially regional areas, if only long-stay visitors came. Long-stay caravan/motorhome owners, not all of whom are nomads and even less are grey, contribute significantly to the economy, have little environmental impact and generate positive publicity.
Wrong book
PETER Boyer’s Talking Point ( Mercury, July 24) about the health hazards and costs of coal mining reminds me of a book I read about 200 years of Britain’s coal mining industry and the loss of lives, directly as a result of workplace accidents, and indirectly from diseases such as black lung. The loss of life directly attributable to this wretched industry was 250,000. Senator Abetz’s Talking Point article the previous day, concerning the most profound book he has read for a while, suggests he would do well to buy himself a copy of the aforementioned book on Britain’s coal mining industry.
Carbon tax axe windfall
MR Turnbull’s power reforms saving us heaps? If you link that with Mr Abbott’s axing of the carbon tax, we are all rolling in money! Aren’t we?
Beware the greens
JAN Davis belled the cat and provided one of the most insightful Talking Point’s in recent times, “There is new Trojan horse and its green”, ( Mercury, July 25). However, I do not think TasNIMBYia is all that new. As Virgil originally wrote in Latin, “Timeo danaos et dona ferentes,” better known these days as, “Beware of greens bearing gifts.”
More promises
THE Braddon area is getting more election promises to look forward to. If only you could believe them — like all salesmen, full of hot air.