Let’s take a deep breath first
IMMIGRATION
IT sometimes seems that the Hodgman Government is making decisions on the run without any plan or provision for the result. We learn that he has given a commitment to Scott Morrison that we will take immigrants — just send them down. Whilst immigrants undoubtedly make a valuable contribution to our community, has it occurred to Mr Hodgman that there is no accommodation for existing residents, let alone more; Airbnb for tourists has deprived many locals of somewhere to stay. House prices have been driven up by investors who scooped the pool, many of which were then converted to Airbnb.
The Royal Hobart Hospital is not coping with the current demand. Hodgman’s own admission is that it is yesterday’s hospital for today’s conditions. Traffic becomes an increasing issue, where one accident can gridlock the entire city. There seems to be no ability to say “no, let’s take a deep breath and consolidate for a while”. Or at least have a plan. Is there a plan? There is plenty of talk about Brand Tasmania, but how long will it survive? homeless numbers are growing. Care for those who already reside in our paradise state. Fix the problems guys before you consider opening the floodgates.
Work housing, hospitals
SO Scomo and Wiho think it would be a good idea to send more migrants to Hobart. OK, how about creating some more jobs, more houses and a hospital that works first. I guess Tasmania has a history of restricting migrants to Port Arthur so that should satisfy Ron Christie’s desire to cling to the past.
Destructive path
A MIGRANT is a person who has left their country voluntarily to start a new life, to live closer to family and friends, or for a new experience. Refugees are people forced to leave because their lives have been threatened by war or violence; often 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. because of race, gender or beliefs. The permanent immigration program of over 200,000 a year is the real issue. This is why our cities are being ruined with overdevelopment, unaffordable housing, overloaded infrastructure and suffering environmental degradation. Why should Tasmania follow this path? The notion we need ever more people to sell them real estate and stimulate the economy is the definition of unsustainable economic policy.
Strain on infrastructure
OUR federal government increases our population by about 240,000 each year via various immigration visas. Only 16,000 of this number are asylum seekers. Our government/s depend on the consumer demand that immigration provides to the economy, yet this is a very similar principle to a Ponzi scheme. Politicians seem more worried about their own political term, and not the long-term future for the average Australian. We can’t keep on bringing new customers in to our country to provide fake growth. We need real industry, not just people farming that adds to congestion and puts strain on infrastructure and lifestyles.
Bring children first
MIGRANTS should always be welcomed to Tasmania. But why not start with those poor children locked up on a remote island. They should be first on the list.
Get back to school footy
STEPHANIE Newington’s article on Andrew Dykes’ new role as AFL Tasmania community manager ( Mercury, October 12): if you want to get back to grassroots, get kids back into school footy! The AFL wastes millions each year on GWS and Gold Coast Suns so surely they can divert a small amount to help give our future AFL players a kick start with their mates at school?
The A word
A LOT of people standing for council elections have submitted articles espousing their beliefs and views on just about everything under the sun but unfortunately none that I have read so far mention the A word — amalgamations!
Kindness
AFTER having a fall while walking on October 1, I would like to thank the kindness of neighbours who called an ambulance and stayed until it arrived. To the paramedics who cared for me on the way to the Royal Hobart Hospital, and lastly to the staff who although run off their feet treated me with care and respect. Thank you so much. You do a wonderful job in trying circumstances.
Give retirees a break
YET another case of councils being unreasonable by imposing rates on retired people living in their own residences within retirement villages. All retired people over the age of 65 should be exempt from their fair share of rates and the huge shortfall in rates revenue should be born by the under 65s whether working or not. All we want is a fair go!