Pedder cannot be drowned
ROARING Forties bring wind of another restoration campaign for Lake Pedder, metaphor of Tasmania’s environmental travesties. Traditionally, you put something under 50 feet of water, it drowns. Pedder hasn’t. Remarkably, geographically it still exists. Despite misconception that when drained it will resemble the visible ghastly tree line, that is mere weather erosion to the surface perimeter. Kevin Kiernan’s study “Restoring Lake Pedder: A Geomorphological Perspective on Recovery Prospects (2001)” found “many of the classic photographic images of Lake Pedder, focused as they are on the beach environment, will probably be achievable again almost immediately upon draining”. Even the tyre tracks of the final plane to leave the beach are preserved, awaiting another glorious South-West summer.
Government may bury its head in the pink quartz sand, but Pedder is still there, as is the cause for restoration. Even submerged Pedder will outlive us, as we stubbornly sit denying this environmental catastrophe, robbing ourselves of a natural wonder. In this dire time when wilderness itself nears extinction, we have an opportunity to restore an important, unique environment. Is this the time we undertake the ultimate reconciliation of Tasmania’s natural world?
Rough track to bridge
CONGRATULATIONS to government on building the new Remembrance Bridge for the bargain basement price of $11 million. Whilst it looks very pretty, I have my doubts if it will be actually used all that much. On the other hand, two new sets of simple stairs below the Cenotaph grassed area would be used heavily, particularly during the Christmas holidays and public events when the area is used for parking. One of these sets of stairs would replace a well-used rough track, the top of which is blocked by an unnecessary chain which currently presents a public safety risk. Barclays Bank and Cadbury’s chocolates, simply converted to the Church of England after they had made some money. And the most influential Quaker of all, Richard M. Nixon, died an agnostic at best, having apparently reconsidered the Quaker peace testimony during the Vietnam War.
Consult a specialist
MARCUS McShane says that of the farmers he talks to, “most believe in climate change, however an increasing number are not convinced it is man-made” (Letters, February 8). Well yes, I’m capable of knowing when I feel ill, but I consult a specialist if I want to know why. While Australian farmers have shown a remarkable resilience to climate change, I wouldn’t rely on a farmer to tell me what caused it.
Centrelink impatience
RESPONDING to reader Brian Hall, I had a similar experience (“So many queues for Medicare claim,” Letters, February 6). I went into Centrelink hoping to be able to fill in a claim form but couldn’t find the desk where they used to keep them. I asked the only unoccupied person, the security guard, if they knew where I could find one and she said to join the queue which stretched right out to the door. I said “But I only want a form.” She replied almost apologetically, “Yes, you have to join the queue.” I have to say I wasn’t as patient as you, Brian. With a husband in hospital I certainly didn’t have time for queues. Eventually, after I had cooled down, I found you can print off the claim form from the website. I felt it was worth the stamp to send it in. However this does not solve the problem at Centrelink. Where has the Medicare form desk gone and where is the drop-off box?
Love and cricket
A SUGGESTED form of words for the many women trying to entice reluctant partners to the cricket tomorrow (some modification may be needed in the first few lines depending on circumstances). This is the spin. Here’s the pitch: You’re my third man, after my first and second slips (real wrong ‘uns). You’ve bowled me for six. Since we’ve been a team I’ve been a silly mid-on and life’s been a boundaries. So no need for a quandary on February 14: Let’s have a big bash. I know just the spot. It’s more than all white, this place near the beach with a really great view. There’ll be drinks and tea and lots of play … even hitting up and declarations (of a kind). You’re such a great catch and I’m really no match So I’ve gone all out to get tickets to one. It’s a little bit wicket but please don’t dismiss me or put me off-side … I can only appeal with HOWZAT? purple patch with no