Tamar Valley News January 2024

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TamarValleyNews.com.au

January 2024

Locally Owned & Operated

by Hyperlocal Media

Love is in the air following the peak engagement season for Aussies Read the full story on page 5

Nuisance scooters banished to designated parking bays across CBD Read more on Page 4

Page 2

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

From the Publisher – Passing The Torch Dear Readers, As the turning of the pages of a well-loved book leads to new adventures, so too does the journey of Tamar Valley News.

After years of dedication and hard work, we, at Hyperlocal Media, have decided to pass along the torch of publishing Tamar Valley News, meaning that this edition will be the last one published by Hyperlocal Media.

Tamar Valley News will continue to be published, having been purchased by a new, locally owned publisher, with more information to be announced over the coming week. Check our website, tamarvalleynews.com.au for more information and follow us on Facebook.

It has been a pleasure for Kristy, Myself and our team to have published Tamar Valley News for the past three years. We have met and interviewed so many inspiring Tamar Valley locals and visitors, some of whom we are now pleased to call friends.

For those who have read our paper, sent in stories, advertised, and supported us over the years, we would like to express our sincere thanks to you. As much as we are sad to say goodbye to this chapter, we’re also excited about the new adventures that await. This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but with new projects calling our names, this just felt like the right time to move on.

We wish the new publisher all the very best for the future and ask that you continue to throw your support behind them, as you did us.

Once again, thank you for your support, and we hope you all have a very safe, healthy and enjoyable year.

Kind Regards, Zac Lockhart Managing Director Hyperlocal Media.

Tamar Scheme flows with benefits for irrigators

Applications are now open for water sales for the updated and redesigned Tamar Irrigation Scheme.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer, said the Government has updated the scheme to ensure it aligns better with demand in the region, following last year’s launch.

The Government is re-presenting this opportunity to

Tamar land-owners after the first sales process did not meet the threshold to proceed, if farmers want the scheme to go ahead now is the time to jump on board.

“Tasmania’s kanamaluka/ Tamar River region is synonymous with production of high-value agricultural crops,” Minister Palmer said.

“This redesigned scheme will provide access to 13,500

megalitres of high-reliability irrigation water, each summer and winter irrigation season.

“The new scheme will give farmers the confidence and ability to grow and develop their farming operations.”

“There are significant benefits generated from land when irrigation water is available. Even if farmers are already undertaking irri-

gation on their properties, they are asked to consider not just what water is needed today, but how much might be needed in the future to grow the success and prosperity of farming businesses.”

Construction of the Tamar Irrigation Scheme is a priority for the Rockliff Liberal Government and will assist in the goal to grow the farmgate value of Tasmania’s

agricultural sector to $10 billion by 2050.

“Farmers are encouraged to apply to Tasmanian Irrigation for a water entitlement to ensure this vital infrastructure is delivered for the region,” Minister Palmer said.

Tasmanian Irrigation will be working with those who already committed to water entitlements under the pre-

viously announced scheme, and there is no need for any reapplications.

Water sales will be open until the end of February, with the project to be up and running by 2028.

Application forms can be downloaded at: tasmanianirrigation. com.au/schemes/tamarirrigation-scheme

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 3

Recognising design, built-form excellence

2023 Design Award recipients (PHOTO: Supplied) West Tamar Council has recognised excellence in design and built form through its annual Design Awards ceremony.

Properties in Trevallyn, Kelso and Grindelwald caught the collective eyes of the Council’s judging panel across three categories: • • •

Best new single dwelling Best multiple dwelling, and Best renovation/extension

Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the awards, which began in 2016, aim to encourage good design in a positive way, outside the formal planning and building approval process.

“It is a privilege to be able to view so many examples of great design in our municipality, and their projects are a credit to the owners, designers and builders who think outside the box to create such architecturally appealing homes,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

“We have been formally recognising outstanding design in the West Tamar through the Design Awards since 2016 and continue to encourage design in a positive way outside of the formal planning and building approval process.”

of ambition and ideas.

Planning officers, along with the elected members, poured over the Council's development and building applications over the past year to narrow the field down to just a select few in each category, from which the winners were ultimately chosen by a three-person panel comprising Mayor Christina Holmdahl, Councillor Richard Ireland and Council’s statutory planner Tiffany Heys.

Mayor Holmdahl said the panel was looking for designs that have capacity to stimulate, engage and delight its occupants, visitors and passers-by, as well as considering the extent of innovation, invention and the originality of the designs, sustainability as well as degree of difficulty in terms

Planner Tiffany Heys said traditionally, projects that captured the attention of the panel were not necessarily those that cost the most, but those that show ambition and showcase careful design and construction that responded best to the landscape and were pleasing to the eye.

James Munro Armener.

Designer: 6ty Degrees.

Builder: J&N Developments.

3. Joint Winner Best Renovation/Extension: 1313 Greens Beach Road, Kelso.

Owner: Bradley and

4. Joint winner Best Renovation/Extension: 56 Pleasant Hills Drive, Grindelwald.

Owner: Martin J Ml

Winners in each category received a Tasmanian handcrafted specialty timber peg designed by craftsman Brad Latham

WINNERS BY CATEGORY: 1. Winner Best New Single Dwelling: 2 Daitom Place, Trevallyn. Owners: Mark and Caroline Knight.

Designer: Honed Architecture & Design.

Builder: VA Vogelaar Contractor.

2. Winner Best Multiple Dwelling: Unit 2/55 Lachlan Parade, Trevallyn. Owners: Kapila

Best Multiple Dwelling Development for 2023 (PHOTO: Supplied)

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Building Consultants.

Designer: BVZ Designs.

Builder: Moorey Constructions Pty Ltd.

“The project should also be practical for its purpose and designed to consider the surroundings in terms of privacy, views, environment and established character,” she said.

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Amanda Ward. Designer: Design to Live.

Builder: Bradley and Amanda Ward.

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Page 4

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Breathe Easy - Navigating Tasmania's Summer Air with Asthma Awareness Visitors and locals alike often comment on the purity and quality of Tasmania’s air, but for many individuals, asthma stands as a prominent challenge affecting approximately 13% of Tasmania’s population, surpassing the national average of 11%.

The significance of addressing asthma management becomes even more crucial as we transition into the latter half of the summer season, where we know a change in weather can play a role in asthma flare-ups.

For some individuals, it could be the exposure to cold air which often causes dryness in your airways, which can then cause those muscles to tighten.

But for other individuals flare-ups are brought on by the hot dry weather or an increase in humidity.

In 2018/19 there were 1,121

potentially preventable hospitalisations for Asthma across Tasmania and between 2015 and 2019, there were 1,878 Asthma-related presentations at Royal Hobart Hospital.

management, President of the Tasmanian Guild, Helen O’Byrne said “Asthma affects more than sixty thousand Tasmanians – that’s one in eight people across this state.”

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Asthma, found parts of Tasmania are ‘hot spots’ with a high number of people suffering from difficult-to-treat asthma.

“Heading into a hot and dry summer, with increased risk of bushfires, it’s vital asthma sufferers get the care they need to stay healthy.”

However it’s not all doom and gloom for those who suffer from the chronic illness, while there is no cure for the illness, a study 2022 study led by the Woolcock Institute found Community Pharmacists are effective in improving Asthma Control.

While the study focussed on the medication, it also looked at the patients inhaler technique along with the management of hay fever.

Eager to highight the crucial role of effective asthma

“Over Summer, Community Pharmacists are here to help Tasmanians manage their asthma. We can provide expert advice on inhaler use and help you recognise your symptoms.”

Whilst some inhaled medication to treat asthma can be taken without the use of an aid, in most cases, inhalers have been found to be more effective when taken through the use of a spacer.

Specifically designed to attach to a puffer, spacers increase the amount of

President of the Tasmanian Guild, Helen O’Byrne (PHOTO: Supplied) medicine that reaches the small airways in the lungs, therefore increasing the

effect of the medication.

More information can be found on the

National Asthma Council Australia website at nationalasthma.org.au

Nuisance scooters banished to designated parking bays across CBD If you’ve recently been into the Launceston CBD than you’ve probably noticed less scooters being parked in the middle of the footpath or leaning up against a fence.

The newfound orderliness can likely be attributed to the implementation of 38 e-Scooter parking zones that were introduced throughout the CBD a few weeks before Christmas.

The roll-out of dedicated e-Scooter parking bays was a recommendation from the Council’s e-Scooter Trial Evaluation Report, which was endorsed in February, and which examined data from the trial introduction of e-Scooters in Launceston between December 2021 and December 2022.

With the roll-out complete, rental e-Scooter provider Beam has now geo-located the zones for use within Beam's smartphone app.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said rental e-Scooters would now only be able to park in the designated bays within the CBD. "What this means is that rental e-Scooter riders in Launceston will only be able to end a hire trip and stop the hire fee from continuing to tick over, by parking in a designated bay," Mayor Garwood said.

"The locations of these parking zones have been selected to cover hotspots across the broader CBD — an area de-

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fined as the central activities district.”

"This encompasses both the CBD and the wider area within the boundary of William St to the north, Lawrence St to the east, Frederick St to the south, and Margaret St to the west.”

"The majority of locations formalise existing rental e-Scooter deployment locations, while others have been selected as areas where e-Scooters are highly utilised."

"This initiative has been introduced as a direct result of feedback from Launceston residents consulted during the development of the City of Launceston's e-Scooter Trial Evaluation Report.”

"The new CBD parking zones will ensure that parking a rental e-Scooter responsibly in central Launceston is convenient, simple and safe, and will also reduce instances of e-Scooters being parked inconsiderately on footpaths or in front of businesses."

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Page 5

Traditions and Revelry: Ringing in the New Year in Northern Tasmania

By Kristy Williams As the clock struck midnight across Northern Tasmania, residents and tourists alike welcomed in the new year, choosing diverse ways to celebrate the occasion.

Some joyfully participated in various events held to mark the occasion, while others opted for a quieter celebration, choosing to embrace the tradition of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one from the comfort of their beds before the clock struck twelve.

The Tamar Valley offers some beautiful scenery during the day, but there’s nothing quite like the

long-standing tradition of firework displays to illuminate the night sky.

Celebrations began early at Royal Park with Launceston BeerFest kicking off the celebrations late in the afternoon providing entertainment for children ranging from puppet shows to dazzling circus performers, whilst adults were entertained with live comedy, masterclasses said to include mouth-watering tastings and more.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Trevallyn celebrated the New Year’s revelry with a spirited Hogmanay Ceilidh, a Scottish-themed celebration that captivated attendees with the soul-stirring sound of a bagpipe to

open and close the event.

A "Hogmanay Ceilidh" refers to a traditional Scottish New Year's Eve celebration involving a Ceilidh, which is a social event with Scottish or Irish folk music and dancing.

"Hogmanay" is the Scottish term for the last day of the year, similar to New Year's Eve and the term "Ceilidh" (pronounced kay-lee) itself refers to a social gathering with music and dance, often featuring traditional folk tunes and lively group dances.

As the evening unfolded, attendees indulged in a light serving of Scottish food, offering a taste of the hills of Scotland, complemented by

the smooth taste of a favourite Scottish whisky to finish the evening off in style.

Further down the river, George Town celebrated the end of 2023 with their New Year Extravaganza event.

Event goers were treated to an array of entertainment ranging from fire twirlers, giant games, face painting and much more.

While most partygoers enjoyed the celebrations without causing undue trouble, Tasmania Police officers were out in force patrolling Royal Park and the CBD area.

Despite the overall well-behaved nature of most patrons, not everyone shared the same level of self-aware-

ness.

Police officers responded to a total of 76 incidents across the north, making seven arrests, with three cases involving individuals choosing to drive under the influence.

The commitment of law enforcement aimed to address potential issues, reinforcing the message that violence and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in the community.

In the south and northwest counterparts, police presence was equally robust to ensure a safe New Year's Eve. Tasmanian Police in the south responded to a total

of 130 incidents and made 15 arrests, with a breakdown of 55 incidents occurring between midnight and 2 am.

Challenges included instances of public disorder, abusive language, and drink driving.

Simultaneously, in the north-west, three arrests were made, involving two drink drivers and one youth charged with disorderly conduct.

While these events painted a vivid picture of New Year's celebrations, undoubtedly there were many other events across the North, and further afield for patrons to join in and attend.

Love is in the air following the peak engagement season for Aussies With the festive season over, Launceston bridal boutique, Honey Fawn Boutique is prepared to see an influx of bride-to-be’s following Australia’s most popular dates for engagement proposals.

According to Easy Weddings, the top three dates for Australian proposals in 2023 were 25th, 31st, and 26th of December, followed by January 1st in 7th position, making the festive period the largest engagement season of the year.

“We’ve already seen a number of brides come into the store and say yes to their dream dress who only got engaged this Christmas,” says Honey Fawn Boutique owner Anita Wheeler.

“There is such a buzz in store with the new engagements and with brides having their loved ones home for the holidays.”

Since taking ownership of the store in November 2022, Anita has worked to create the best bridal experience for Tasmanian brides.

“The bridal shopping experience is like nothing else.

There are so many emotions and celebrations involved.

It is just such an honour to be trusted with bringing our

brides’ dreams to reality,” continues Anita.

“We have already seen an influx from the engagement season with appointments flowing in and website browsing up 60% from just Christmas day.”

ABS data shows that despite a reduction in marriages since 2020 due to COVID-19, marriage rates are back up to pre-covid numbers.

Tasmania registered 2,821 marriages in 2022, which was the highest number over the last 5 years.

“With these statistics and trends, we can only expect 2024 and 2025 to be even bigger years for weddings and marriages, and we can’t wait,” concludes Anita.

Honey Fawn Boutique is located at 91 York St Launceston and is open Monday to Saturday.

Appointments are required for bridal consultations. To book an appointment or shop online, visit www.honeyfawn.com.au

Honey Fawn Boutique owner, Anita Wheeler ready to help new brides find the perfect dress. (PHOTO: Supplied)​

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Seeing a lot of mobile speed cameras on your summer road trips? Here’s how they work

Author: Simon Raftery University of Adelaide

phone while driving, to failing to wear a seat belt.

As you’re driving around this summer holidays, there’s every chance you’ll see a strange-looking white or yellow box on the side of the road.

So how did these cameras come about, and how do they work?

It might have cameras protruding overhead, or be emblazoned with road safety slogans.

In Australia, around 1,200 people die in car crashes every year.

It’s a mobile road safety camera. It’ll catch you out doing everything from speeding, to using your

Road toll refusing to budge

The number of people seriously injured has risen from 34,000 in 2011 to around 39,000 in 2019 (although this may partly be explained

by changes in the way admissions to hospital are reported).

Alarmingly, these numbers are showing no sign of decline.

It is widely recognised that behaviours such as speeding, drink or drug driving, fatigue, distraction and dangerous driving increase the risk of a crash.

Failing to wear a seat belt can lead to more severe injuries when a crash occurs.

To reduce the trauma on our roads caused by these behaviours, we need to increase compliance with the road rules and encourage safer driving. The use of safety cameras for enforcement has become a crucial part of the road safety response.

A short history of safety cameras Safety cameras were first used in Australia in 1985 with the introduction of speed cameras in Victoria.

Since then, the use of safety cameras has grown to include fixed red light and speed cameras, mobile speed cameras (that can be moved to different locations), and point-to-point cameras (also known as average speed cameras).

In the past three years, mobile phone detection cameras have been introduced in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania, and will soon be operating in South Australia. They have also been trialled in Western Australia.

Currently, Queensland and Tasmania are the only states to also use these cameras for seat belt enforcement, although NSW intends to do so in 2024.

Safety cameras, whether looking at speed or other dangerous driving behaviours, can be either fixed or mobile.

Fixed cameras are permanently located at one spot and operate around the clock. They have primarily

been used to target speeding and red light running.

cameras will also be used in the future.

Mobile cameras, those roadside trailers you might see, can be moved from one location to another and can be deployed virtually anywhere at any time. They are mainly used to target speeding and can also be mounted on a vehicle or tripod.

Mobile phone detection cameras make use of high-definition cameras and infrared lighting that allow them to see through the windscreen and determine when someone is illegally using a mobile phone. They can also determine whether they are wearing their seat belt correctly.

Trailer-based safety cameras can be left unattended in place for longer periods and are usually equipped with security devices such as alarms and security cameras. They also have a secure housing (that’s sometimes bulletproof) to protect against tampering and vandalism.

Typically, they’re placed in areas with a history of crashes or where speeding, distraction, restraint use, or safety are of concern.

So how do they actually work?

Safety cameras use radar or laser to detect and measure vehicle speeds. Sensors embedded in the road are used to detect red light running.

Depending on how they are set up, safety cameras can monitor multiple vehicles across multiple lanes and approaching from opposite directions.

They use high-definition cameras that are effective in different lighting and weather conditions, including night, fog and heavy rain.

Some are able to identify and enforce speed limits for different types of vehicles (like heavy vehicles).

They may also use automated number plate recognition capabilities that allow them to detect or identify so-called “hot list” vehicles that are of interest to police (stolen, unregistered, unlicensed owners, for example).

Fixed and mobile cameras enforce speeds in their immediate vicinity, while point-to-point cameras measure the average speed of vehicles between two points and as vehicles pass the camera locations at the beginning and end of the zone. Currently point-topoint enforcement is fixed, but it is likely that portable

These cameras can also measure vehicle speed and use number plate recognition to monitor vehicles. It means they can help enforce pretty much everything.

They can be either fixed or mobile.

Do they work to improve driver behaviour?

Research indicates safety cameras do just what the label implies: improve safety.

A systematic review of the effects of different types of speed cameras suggests they are effective at reducing average speeds and the number of vehicles speeding, and, more importantly, reduce serious injury and fatal crashes by around 20% each.

Studies examining the effectiveness of mobile phone cameras are yet to be undertaken. However, NSW experienced a substantial decline in mobile phone use in the three years following their introduction.

Enforcement data also shows that the cameras are an efficient and effective method ofdetecting infringements.

Merely relying on common sense, courtesy or self-interest will not be enough to reduce the trauma caused by bad driver behaviour.

Safety cameras work. They will continue to play an important part in reducing these behaviours and making our roads safer for everyone.

Simon Raftery is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Automotive Safety Research, University of Adelaide. This article was originally published on The Conversation.

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 7

Don’t give up on yourself this New Year combination with behavioural support, which Quitline (13 7848) provides for free, will give you the best chance of success.

Planning is important with quitting, so be as organised as you can and have everything you need before your chosen quit date.

Deal with the first day in small steps - get through the first few hours using your distraction plans.

If you need help ask for it this could be from a friend, family member or Quitline (13 7848).

As many embrace the New Year with resolutions, Quit Tasmania stands with those choosing to quit smoking. (PHOTO Supplied) At this time of year, you may be thinking about what changes you’d like to make as a New Year’s resolution.

For some it might be to lose weight, get fit or learn something new. But for around 70,000 Tasmanians, it could be to stop smoking.

While you may be all too familiar with the damage to health caused from smoking, you may be surprised to know that you may feel the benefits almost immediately after stopping, and over time will experience even more health and financial benefits.

•

•

In as little as 20 mins after having your last cigarette, blood pressure starts to go down.

Two days, you’ve de-

• • •

creased the risk of heart attack and your sense of smell and taste return.

Two weeks, walking is easier, and breathing has improved.

By one month, nicotine withdrawals have almost gone.

And 5 years after stopping smoking, you’ve reduced the risk of many cancers, and saved around $40,000.

So, you’re thinking about quitting…but not sure where to start.

The first thing to do is to have a good reason or reasons to quit.

Is it for health reasons, to save money or perhaps to be a positive role model for your kids?

Whatever the reason, this will be your motivation and give you something to focus on.

Once you have your reasons, next is to take the time to find out why you smoke.

Because when you better understand your reasons for smoking, you’ll be better prepared to quit smoking.

quitting that it can help to be aware of: 1.

2.

There are three main reasons for smoking – addiction, habits and emotions.

To find out which ones apply to you, take the 1-minute smoking quiz on the Quit Tasmania website www.quittas.org.au When it comes to putting your thoughts into action, there are three main parts of

3.

Making the quit attempt - which is about setting a realistic quit date and getting through the first 24hrs.

Managing withdrawals and cravings - these may last from a few days or a few weeks.

Prepare for the times and situations when you might smoke, like when feeling stressed - have a plan on how you’re going to deal with these situations - it could be to play an online game or grabbing an apple and going for a quick walk.

Finally, it may take some time to adjust to life being a person that doesn't smoke

anymore, making long-term changes to reduce the possibility of slip-ups.

Don’t focus on the finish line, just focus on the moment.

So, what’s the best way to quit?

Don’t let a slip-up get in the way, learn from it - and refer to your plan for dealing with situations, and remind yourself why you're quitting.

Good - If you want to go it alone, that's good. The information contained within the 'Quit Because You Can' book will be most helpful, and you can order one for free on the Quit Tasmania website.

Quitting does take a bit of effort, so celebrate the small wins - reward yourself for doing a great job. And remember, no matter how long it takes to quit - every day you don't smoke is doing good!

Better - Using an approved product such as patches or gum is better and will help to reduce cravings. Some products are available with a script from your doctor, which may be cheaper this way too.

Quitline (13 7848) is a free service that is available in Tasmania from 9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) or for more information on quitting visit www. quittas.org.au

Best - Using a product in

‘Power Hours’ to provide customers with free electricity Tasmanians are being encouraged to enjoy free electricity on Aurora Energy in a new offer available for sign up now.

It’s our way of saying thanks for being with us and giving back to our loyal customers who use aurora+,” Mr Clark said.

Each ‘Powers Hours’ event gives aurora+ residential customers the opportunity to use unlimited electricity, free of charge in an available time slot of their choice.

“The idea of a ‘power hour’ is already known as a time that people set aside to get things done or focus on a task, which works nicely with the idea of using your Power Hours to do things such as washing, cleaning and showering.”

CEO Nigel Clark said he expected Tasmanians to make the most of what will become an ongoing feature of aurora+, with close to 22,000 already having registered for the January event.

“Power Hours is free electricity on Aurora Energy.

“It’s a use it or lose it deal, but customers can expect Power Hours to become a regular benefit of using aurora+.”

Mr Clark said the new offer

was another step in ensuring Aurora Energy continued to meet Tasmanian customer expectations.

“We know that personalised experiences are important to our customers and that’s exactly what Power Hours brings. You get to enjoy free electricity on us, with a choice from a number of time slots,” he said.

“We want to make energy easy for Tasmanians and one way we can do that is by empowering them to make better energy choices through digital management platforms such as aurora+ and advanced meter technology.”

“Being able to see how and when you’re using energy is powerful as it provides the proof to help change habits around the home and you can manage it all from your smart phone or tablet.”

Aurora+ is available to anyone with an advanced (smart) meter on an eligible tariff and there is no fee to use it.

Power Hours is a feature within aurora+ where residential customers can see details of upcoming events and book an available time slot.

The first event will take place from Thursday, 25th

January to Sunday, 28th January 2024, with 12 available time slots to choose from now in aurora+.

Aurora Energy is fully owned by the people of Tasmania, based in Tasmania, employing Tasmanians.

There will be two time slots during the day (11am – 2pm and 2 – 5pm) and one in the evening from 7 – 10pm. A second event is scheduled for February.

In the last financial year, the retailer contributed close to $1.9M in customer and community support, and all of its financial returns remain within the state and don’t flow back to foreign owned entities.

All Aurora Energy residential customers who have an active aurora+ account will be eligible to participate in each Power Hours event for one property per aurora+ account, with the ability to switch between aurora+ properties depending on your location between events.

For further details regarding eligibility and to find out more, visit auroraenergy.com.au

Page 8

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Future-Ready: Launceston Airport's $14M Transformation Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the new streamlined security screening will make the experience at the Launceston Airport safer and more efficient.

“Launceston Airport is a key passenger gateway to the Northern Tasmanian economy and it’s crucial to have modern facilities available,” he said.

“I congratulate Launceston Airport management for this important investment, which follows on from the recent opening of the new passenger check-in hall and Virgin Australia’s new cargo facility.”

A $14 million project reshaping the Check-in Hall and security screening point is now complete with the installation of new state-ofthe art technology.

Passengers can expect faster processing times and less hassle without the need to remove items such as

laptops from bags prior to screening thanks to the new enhanced security technology including CT Xray and body scanner technology.

CEO of Launceston Airport Shane O'Hare said the upgrades are essential for the growing gateway.

"We are expecting 2.5 million passengers through these doors each year by 2040 and it is imperative that we put the right processes and technology in place today to cater for the future,” he said.

"Everyone hates waiting in security queues, this

New Phase: Campaign to promote respect for Health Workers The next stage of a campaign to promote respect towards Tasmanian health workers has been launched, with staff members from the Department of Health again featuring at the centre of the campaign.

The campaign includes a television commercial featuring staff members from the Department of Health and highlights the tag line: “A healthy dose of respect helps everyone.”

The campaign also

features radio and print advertising, posters to be displayed in our hospitals and health services, and staff-focused internal communications.

Our dedicated health professionals do an outstanding job - often in high-pressure working environments – to provide high-quality health services to the Tasmanian community.

This campaign is about creating awareness around the need to respect the health workforce and importantly, ensure staff are well supported to care for the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.

In November 2023, the Department of Health launched the first stage of the campaign, which

technology will help speed up the process ensuring you spend more time relaxing with a coffee in our departures hall.”

"The $14 million Check-in Hall project has reshaped the passenger experience for those flying out of our airport and employed

hundreds of locals during construction.”

"These works wouldn't have been possible without the support of both the state and federal governments, both of whom recognise the importance of a thriving northern gateway to the state.”

“The Tasmanian Government committed $5 million to the $14 million redevelopment of the airport as well as duplicating Evandale Road between the Airport and Midland Highway at Breadalbane.”

2 days after quitting, taste and smell return

included a television commercial.

The next stage of the campaign has now been launched, including the release of a further two television commercials which are now going to air.

These two videos highlight the importance of respect from the perspective of First Nations people in our health workforce, and migrant health workers in Tasmania.

As was the case with the first stage of the campaign, everyone featured in the commercials are staff from the Department of Health.

The campaign will continue throughout the coming weeks.

For more information about the campaign, visit health.tas.gov.au/respect

We can help you get there.

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 9

Crossword Across

Down

8

Undertake (8)

1

Blade cover (6)

9

Emotional shock (6)

2

Film genre (8)

10 Capital of Taiwan (6)

3

Rather peculiar (6)

11 Theater area (8)

4

Visual content creator (7,8)

12 Chinese east coast city (8)

5

Caviar source (8)

13 Qualify (6)

6

Photographic apparatus (6)

14 Declaration commemoration (12,3) 18 Dense (6)

7

Protects from rain (8)

15

Aristocracy (8)

20 Breaking away (8)

16

Lift (8)

23 Suddenly and directly (coll) (4-4) 24 Mint, e.g. (6)

17

Consumers (3,5)

19

Empty a suitcase (6)

25 Building material (6)

21

Fish and chip shop (coll) (6)

26 Bazaar (8)

22

Birthmark (6)

Answers

Jokes

(Turn page upside down)

An elderly looking gentleman, (mid-nineties) very well dressed, hair well-groomed, great looking suit, flower in his lapel, smelling slightly of a good aftershave, presenting a well-looked-after image, walks into an upscale cocktail lounge.

Seated at the bar is an elderly looking lady.

The gentleman walks over, sits alongside her, orders a drink, takes a sip, turns to her, and says, “So tell me, do I come here often?”

I just came across my wife’s Tinder profile and I’m so angry about her lies. She is not definately not “fun to be around.”

I’m sorry” and “I apologize” mean the same thing. Except at a funeral.

What did one volcano say to the other?

I lava you.

Riddle What is the one thing everyone can agree is between heaven and earth?

Answer (Turn page upside down) The word ”and”

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Page 10

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Soak up the sun at Cataract Gorge this summer FREE Tiger Bus visits the Cataract Gorge three times per day over summer. The full timetable is available at www.launceston.tas.gov.au Mayor Garwood said he hoped visitors to Launceston over summer would make the most of the Cataract Gorge.

"The Cataract Gorge is an amazing natural destination only a short distance from Launceston's CBD, and we hope both locals and visitors have a blast there during the warmer months," he said.

Thousands of people are expected to visit Launceston's most popular natural attraction, the Cataract Gorge, this summer.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Cataract Gorge was one of the region's most visited destinations.

"We're expecting a fantastic summer at Launceston's iconic Cataract Gorge," Mayor Garwood said.

"While there are currently

some temporary changes to pedestrian and road access into the First Basin, we're eager to ensure visitors to Launceston understand the Cataract Gorge itself remains open for everyone to enjoy this summer."

Mayor Garwood said popular attractions like the Basin Cafe, the Gorge Restaurant, and the Gorge Scenic Chairlift — the world's longest single span chairlift — remained open throughout summer.

"The Cataract Gorge features a fantastic playground for the kids, barbecue facilities, free Wi-Fi, toilets and changing rooms, convenient parking, and an accessible inclinator," he said.

access to the First Basin from the CBD is currently restricted to the Zig-Zag track; a walking track which the City of Launceston has graded 'Hard — steep and challenging'.

"We're expecting high visitation to continue throughout summer, culminating in a free concert at the Cataract Gorge on March 2 as part of Mona Foma 2024."

The Zig-Zag track is a historic gravel trail that links Kings Bridge to the First Basin with a series of zigzags that climb high above the reserve.

With remediation works currently underway on the Cataract Walk, pedestrian

"The Zig-Zag track is ideal for those who like to challenge themselves actively,

but may not be a suitable track for others," Mayor Garwood said.

Road upgrade works in West Launceston's Hillside Crescent mean the best way to access the Cataract Gorge by vehicle from the CBD is via Connaught Crescent and Basin Rd. Alternatively, vehicles can also access the Cliff Grounds entrance via Gorge Road in Trevallyn.

The City of Launceston's

"While some people choose to swim in the First Basin itself, it's important to note the First Basin can be subject to strong currents, cold water, slippery rocks and submerged obstacles and is not actively monitored by our lifeguards.”

"Having spent a lot of time there with school friends, the First Basin Swimming Pool is my personal preference for a swim.”

"The First Basin Swimming Pool is actively supervised by our lifeguards between 11am and 4pm each day, who are equipped with a wide range of first aid and emergency response equipment, including defibrillators."

Detours for Hillside Crescent works The City of Launceston is undertaking the second stage of a $1.2m upgrade of Hillside Crescent in West Launceston.

Hillside Crescent will be closed to traffic between Bourke Street and Canning Street from Tuesday, January 9 to Friday, February 2.

Access will remain open for

local residents and Launceston Pathology will still be accessible via Frederick Street.

Kerbside waste, recycling and FOGO collection for residents in Hillside Crescent will continue as normal.

A detour via Connaught Crescent will be in place for

motorists visiting the Cataract Gorge's First Basin.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the first stage of works in Hillside Crescent was carried out between April and September last year, and involved the installation of new pipelines, manholes and side entry pits, along with new kerb and channel, footpaths and guardrails.

"The second stage of works involves the excavation of the existing roadway, the installation of new pavement material and asphalt overlay, as well as the installation of new traffic islands and line marking," Mayor Garwood said.

"We are committed to delivering this project with as little disruption as possible

and we appreciate the local community's cooperation and understanding while we carry out these important road improvement works.

"We've taken the deliberate decision to undertake these works in two stages to keep the timeframe for a full road closure to an absolute minimum.

Child Sexual Abuse Victim - Survivor Advisory Group

The Tasmanian Government is seeking expressions of interest from adult victim-survivors and parents or carers of victim-survivors to form an Advisory Group to inform Tasmania’s approach to preventing and responding to child sexual abuse.

The Advisory Group will ensure the perspectives of people with lived experience shape our response to child sexual abuse and our implementation of recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s responses to child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

We are seeking up to 12 individuals who will be appointed for a two-year term.

For further information or to register your interest, please visit keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au or use QR code.

Applications are open now and close on 19 January 2024.

"Hillside Crescent is an important connector road from the city to West Launceston, and we ask motorists to please obey any detour and warning signage which may be in place over the coming weeks, and to consider alternative routes in advance."

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 11

New principal appointed for Legana Primary School Preparations for the new Legana Primary School are progressing smoothly with the structure well and truly starting to take shape over the last few months.

Continuing this progress, the school recently saw the appointment of its first principal, Elizabeth O’Donahue.

Eager to take on the new role, Mrs O’Donahue said “I am incredibly excited and feel privileged to be working with the Legana community to establish their new school.”

“I have been watching the site develop with great anticipation and was fortunate enough to do a recent site visit – it is so exciting to see the framework up and design taking shape.”

Elizabeth O’Donahue appointed as first Princiapl for Legana Primary School (PHOTO: Legana Primary School Facebook Page)

"I am most looking forward to engaging with the local community and

listening to their hopes and dreams for the future of our school community.”

Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, congratulated Mrs O’Donahue on being assigned the role of principal.

“Mrs O’Donahue has extensive leadership experience within the Department and is well respected by colleagues,” Minister Jaensch said.

“Legana Primary School will officially welcome their first intake of students in 2025, with substantial preparations planned for 2024 to get the school ready and operational.”

Whilst the school aren’t taking formal enrolments at the moment, Expressions of Interest have already begun for parents/carers to enrol their children at the

school ahead of its grand opening.

Logos and uniform colours have been selected for the school through extensive community consultation.

The Legana Primary School site design incorporates a stylised leaf – representing growth and new beginnings.

Member for Bass Simon Wood said building works are progressing quickly and the new school is on track to welcome students in 2025.

“Legana Primary School will accommodate up to 350 students and include outdoor learning areas, a multi-purpose hall as well as a co-located onsite oral health clinic.”

Mr Wood said.

Page 12

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Tales of the Tamar

The Old Tamar River Fishermen by Edward ‘Jack’ Windsor (Part 4) He guided the boat around and around in circles outside the shoal of fish, picking up very many on the lines. The birds, skuas, seagulls, molly hawks were all excited and hovering over the water indicating where the fish were below the surface.

He did not make the mistake of guiding the boat through the shoal as it would send them down, but rather went around and around the outside of them and letting the lines drag through the water at the shoal edges.

ABOVE: Jack Windsor aged about 80. BELOW: Jack Windsor aged about 30. (PHOTOS: Supplied by GTDHS) One day I was invited to go out with one of the old fishermen who afterwards became a great friend of mine.

I remember going down the river with him in his boat late in the afternoon on the tide to his favourite spot over on the west bank.

The first thing he did upon arriving was to set his graballs, which he marked with a very big white float.

They were anchored at both ends and placed in a channel between two reefs and amongst the kelp type seaweed.

Continuing on a short way with the tide, he made his way across to the now exposed small bank where his pegs were. There is only enough time for one shot with the net at slack water, before the tide changes, so

he must do it all quickly. He rowed around and cast the net as described previously and made a very good catch.

I helped with the work of retrieving the net and placing the fish in the boat’s well.

After this he got the firepot going and we made billy tea which we had with condensed milk from a screw topped jar. We roasted some potatoes and ate them with butter. That was pretty good tucker out there on the river at night under the stars in the boat, something I will always remember.

Presently he moved the boat over to his set nets and we hung on to the net lines.

“Hold the line,” he said, and I did and felt the fish striking the net and getting caught.

“We won’t leave it in too long in case the seals come around,” and then between us we hauled the net into the boat over the side. There were many fish caught and all were put into the well.

He then set off out into the incoming tidal stream, which carried us with little effort all the way back to the fishermen’s jetty at George Town. Here we sorted out the night’s catch and got the boxes loaded for the service car’s early morning run to the fish market in Launceston where he sold his catch.

Some of the fish were earmarked for the local hotels and some were kept in the well for boat sales.

I again went out with him one day after the blackback salmon up river near

It is very beautiful in this part of the river on a nice clear day, the inland mountains can be seen in the distance, still with some of

the winter’s snow on them and often there is a ship at one of the river berths.

That day we went home with a boat load and as we went we started to clean and scale the fish, which were mostly black-back salmon.

Sometimes in the early part of the season there would be a sea-running trout in the haul, which he immediately said was a ‘spotted cod’ because he did not have a licence for a fresh-water trout. This was kept for the Missus as a special gift.

[The final episode will appear in the February edition of Tamar Valley News.]

Middle Island. He was using his engine this time and we putted along with the trolling lines out over the stern.

The lines were very thick, almost light rope; this was so that they would not cut into one’s hands when handling them all day, and they were not as prone to tangle up whilst in the boat. They were also weighted about a quarter of their length from the end with dog chain. This was to carry them down into deeper water where the fish were.

As it was early spring, there was a lot of fresh water in the river at this time of the year, and the fresh water being lighter floated on top and the fish being salt-water fish tended to stay near the bottom, hence the weighted lines.

GEORGE TOWN & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month, starting at 7.30 pm with most meetings held at The Grove in Elizabeth St and are open to the public The next meeting is the AGM and it will be held on MONDAY, 15 JANUARY at the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum Speaker: Des Wootton Topic: The ‘Porthos’ tragedy in Bass Strait, and those involved.

In 1963 a fire on this vessel necessitated a rescue plan to be actioned by the Launceston Marine Board.

A young doctor from the Launceston General Hospital was awarded a George Medal for his part in the operation.

FOR UPDATES SEE: George Town & District Historical Society Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/George-Town-and-District-Historical-Society-1375090549395357/

Email info@gtdhs.com or Phone 6382 4412.