Tassie haze

extra for all the above. The Stadium 2.0 deal should be back on the table and be given the appropriate level of scrutiny.

Better outcomes can be achieved, and perhaps even a stadium if those elected open their ears and minds. Compromise and co-operation aren’t dirty words.

Craig Griffiths

Austins Ferry maybe deep down I’m just a development junkie. However, just imagine if no one had built anything in and around Hobart over the journey! Can’t imagine much rates and taxes flowing into Treasury coffers in that doomsday scenario! Big picture, folks. Big picture!

Steve Bailey

Glenorchy

Many are aware of the infamous Southeast Asian Haze, a recurrent air pollution issue caused primarily by slash-and-burn land clearing, where air quality reaches hazardous levels due to high concentrations of airborne particulate matter from burning biomass, causing adverse health, environmental and economic impacts in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

BBC called Tasmania “a picturesque island with the cleanest air on Earth,” and most would agree.

However, each season, a handful of careless land owners and managers transform our island into something akin to an Asian megacity, for their own convenience and with little regard for their fellow Tasmanians’ health and enjoyment.

Currently, thick smoke again covers vast areas of our otherwise beautiful countryside, making many usual outdoor activities, such as drying clothes or letting fresh air indoors, impossible. Those suffering from allergies and asthma are especially vulnerable, needing additional medication and sometimes hospital care. Needless to say, the smoke is also ruining holidays and the attractive image of our homeland to tourists.

In Europe and other developed countries, mass burning has been made illegal, due to its impacts on human health and ecosystems. Thousands of Tasmanians living in the cities are urged by the councils to restrict their use of wood heaters. Clearly, it is time the individuals responsible for the recurring Tasmanian smoke pollution to be regulated and, if necessary, held responsible for their carelessness.

If affected Tasmanians write to their state and council representatives each time a smoke event occurs, as well as lodge complaints with the Environment Protection Authority, we may be finally able to put a much overdue end to this serious issue. Janette Johnston

Sheffield

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds...

—Ephesians 4:22-23