Heads in the sand

THE HCC are attempting to lock all Tasmanians out of a decision larger than their capabilities. They have shown their antidevelopment and tourism colours. Headin-the-sand status quo is their mantra. It’s time the Liberal Government stepped in and assisted the MWCC developers to at least have a chance of lodging a development application that is well researched and complete. Compulsory acquisition will brush aside the HCC blockage if the politicians see some possible votes.

It is not pretty

HOBART should be wary about welcoming three mega cruise ships at the same time. You might think a tourism operator such as myself would be overjoyed at TasPorts’ announcement of increased capacity for our dock area. Trouble is, I have just returned from a cruise of the Inside Passage in Alaska. I have seen the future, and it is not pretty. The cruise was fine, the scenery fabulous, but I was shocked at the impact these huge ships are having on what should be charming outback towns of the Alaskan coast. Picture tiny Ketchikan, surrounded by huge mountains, bald eagles soaring above, bears in the forest and otters hunting in the harbour, colourful charming traditional buildings and a year-round population of 8200. There were five cruise ships docked the day we visited, 15,000 tourists descending on the little town. Sure, the seaplane operators and bus companies and artist co-ops were making a killing, but the charm of the