Time to see the light on smoke
LETTERS highlighting the serious health effects of domestic woodheaters are correct. This air pollution is being forced on people against their will by those using an old-fashioned and dirty form of heating. The damage to health caused by this is documented, and Tasmanian authorities need to have the courage to protect public health. It was years before passive smoking and lead in petrol were finally realised and outlawed. The same waking up process needs to happen with woodheaters. Air pollution is a health and safety issue, not a matter of personal heating choices. No matter how “modern” the woodheater, the end result is damaging fumes breathed in by others.
City not best place
A FEW groups will benefit from the STEM project, owners of land in the CBD and the builders of the facilities; the businesses in the CBD, in many cases on their last legs, partly due to the lack of parking; the university, being able to sell off prime residential real estate in Sandy Bay to be replaced by premises in the CBD paid for by the Government (us). Against this will be congestion, shortage of parking and lack of suitable accommodation. Churning out more people with degrees will not do anything for the university’s reputation, only its bottom line. The university had a fine facility at Mt Nelson and a world renowned reputation. While it is doubtful the latter can be regained the former should be able to be put to good use. Universities do not belong in CBDs. Near the hospital is reasonable for the medical section but the rest does not need to be close to businesses. fact is we must on both sides enhance and be mindful of each other’s culture. Only this will bring real reconciliation. substantial commencement has not been achieved and therefore permits have lapsed. Alternatively the parliament could pass legislation that revokes the permits. These are the only ways of determining the status of the permits and until parliament or court acts, the permits remain valid. The 2014 legislation prevented legal challenge until after August 30, 2017. The TCT is investigating its legal options to determine the status of the permits. I note KordaMentha has not said it has withdrawn the pulp mill permits from sale, only that they are also trying to sell the land separately to the permits. It remains to be seen if another development can be approved on the site while the pulp mill permit is valid. The Mercury attributes a comment to KordaMentha that they will not contest the lapsing of the permits. That only means they would not contest a court case taken by others.