Build golden memories

Cruise control

IT is a rare occasion I agree with the Greens but Cassy O’Connor is correct, 146 cruise ships visiting Tasmania is far too many ( August 9). Other countries are cutting back on tourism and cruise ships are among the first to have limits placed on locality and number of visits. This Government is hellbent on destroying this unique state with their unrelenting quest for mass tourism. No doubt it is to top up state coffers but a more sensible approach is needed.

A small island such as this welcomes tourists and always has, but the numbers must be in a reasonable ratio to the infrastructure and other factors. Building mass accommodation is not the answer. A campaign of awareness to the sensitive nature of much of the pristine land and surrounding seas would be a preferred option.

Just count the cars

READER Andrew Hejtmanek refers to the study that 90 per cent of cars stay in the CBD and public transport is the answer (Letters, August 8). The data on traffic was from the early 2000s so really is out of date. Since the early 2000s the traffic coming to and through the CBD has exploded. There has not been a compensating increase in carparks. Therefore, I suspect a greater proportion travel through the CBD on their way to somewhere else. The Government should ask companies like Google to provide data.

As most of us have smartphones they would have the data showing how people come into the CBD and whether they stay, travel through etc. If we are going to make decisions on bypasses, public transport etc, WHAT better place could you be but on a train trip up the Derwent Valley in autumn just to see the enormous golden poplars lining the hop fields through Bushy Park and beyond and the sparkling waters of the Derwent and cattle grazing in the fields. Travelling alongside motorists and the Tyenna River at a leisurely pace, no need to hurry through the bushland and on up to National Park and its exciting walking tracks. All this takes is a bit of imagination by TasRail and the State Government. It is so nice to have these memories.

Christian posters hit

FOR the past 20 years Christian posters have regularly been ripped down at UTAS.

Preview plaudits

GREAT to see a new name and layout for the Thursday arts and gig guide (Preview, August 8). Likewise great to see the punny headlines that have dominated this space as long as I can remember remain. Change is the only constant.