Exciting times in Launceston with serious undertakings underway, it can be reported that movement on the flood levies is advancing and has rapidly reached the new Council “boat shed” on the attractive banks of the North-Esk River which passes through the old township of Launceston.
The first part of the floodwalls can be described as perhaps a grand entrance to the lavish “boat shed” but very prudently put in place in the unlikely event that Launceston’s Mayor and of course along with a fresh manager’s dash to the bank in Canberra seeking an extra $50-60 million to enable the responsible work to continue. To this stage common sums have bugged most projects aligned to the Tamar, $3.5 million simply disappeared into the mud during the “boat shed” piling incident and no evidence can be found of its where- a-bouts causing anguish and embarrassment to Council and advisors alike …
Levy simulator or grand entrance for a “Boathouse”?
Prudently clever manipulation.
It has been reported that since that time it has been the policy of council to total all numbers (figures) a minimum of 3 (three) times before any finality can be given to a project but failures still happen on a regular basis with a discrepancy of $20 million on the costing levies which was not to be unexpected as new policies do take some time to reach expediency.
It has been generally reported during the week, a notice of Tasmania’s Biggest Survey has appeared in letterboxes urging all Fellow Tasmanians to have their say about local issues, perhaps it is not so much of a concern to the north of the state where the attention level is so high, but confusion is a problem with the Southern State Government and should not be associated with the North’s long experienced local leaders. Most Launceston people would appreciate Senator Abetz’ image of the iconic Tamar Basin depicted in the survey brochure clearly displaying the rapid development work carried out on the photograph, the immaculate beaches of Royal Park and the return of water to the basin; it really is a credit to all concerned and even though so much detail work already lavished on the area, even more studies are being undertaken which employing what must be recognised to be the to finest technology and scientific brains Tasmania has to offer.
Original photo from the Abetz collection
Finally the announcement of a proposed Helipad to be built on the Tamar. The Helipad which is intended to be constructed on the prime area of the South Esk River adjacent to the new beaches near Royal Park to allow tourist and others to take in the full beauty of this whole area. It is expected Council will welcome this unique innovation as it would fit comfortably with other worthy achievements that have now brought Launceston to a level never once expected as prudence was by far the overriding factor over progress and today that has been turned on its head. Launceston is the football capital of Tasmania, has perhaps the largest study field on rivers in the southern hemisphere, and perhaps the biggest advantage our city can boast is a tolerance to living in our own excrement along with the follies of others.
Excitement, Excitement, Excitement, Excitement, Excitement, Excitement
WOW !!
It seems the Northern township of Launceston is entering a new era, with dykes replacing the old painted flood poles of Invermay allowing residents perhaps a greater level of comfort previously experienced and on top of all this it has been suggested that people residing in the flood threat areas (behind the levy walls only) be offered complementary family swimming instruction course at the new Council Baths. This is another example of extreme benefit of facilities that previously been treated with some avoidance.
Geoff Smedley, Northern Tattler
