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July 2022

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Semaphore messages fall upon deaf ears – future now uncertain By Regan Summers In the early days of colonisation in Northern Tasmania, communication was paramount. Especially in Launceston, where ships bringing supplies and goods for sale from the rest of the world could be delayed for days due to weather conditions at the mouth of the river Tamar. Making communication about the arrival of ships a key issue to be solved by early settlers. Like many historic sites, the remnants of the solution remain a vital link to our past.

In the days before communication devices such as radios, mobile phones or even telegrams, a system known as semaphores was the predominant format for communication in the North of Tasmania. Located at Mount George, Mount Direction and Windmill Hill, semaphore towers were constructed to be 18 metres high, with arms 5 metres wide. These arms were controlled by chains and when put into certain positions, would represent different numbers. The numbers reflected

a code that could be translated and used to communicate which ship had arrived and it’s expected arrival time to the port in Launceston.

READ MORE ON PAGE 7 + THE HISTORY OF THE TAMAR RIVER SIGNAL STATIONS ON PAGE 12 BY PETER COX

Finally, a solution to the Tamar mudflat mess? Read the full story on page 6

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Free self-guided walking tour launches in Launceston

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The Launceston City self-guide audio walk is an easy-access, one hour introduction to some of the City’s iconic and centrally located historic buildings. It also includes some interesting but lesser-known sites. Participants use a smartphone to download the free ‘CYA on the Road’ app, and use Launceston’s free wifi network to access a map, audio guide and historic photographs.

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“Our locals and visitors spend the time getting to know the shop owners when they’re visiting the city, but struggle to find out the history of the building that shop is residing in.” “Cityprom saw this gap in our city and approached the Launceston Historic Society to help create an accessible way for those in Launceston to learn the history.“ Said Amanda McEvoy, EO Cityprom.

“The Society’s aim is that participants learn a little about Launceston’s history and its streetscapes. It is also hoped the walk will generate traffic for businesses located along the route.” Said Catherine Pearce, Launceston Historic Society. For more information visit launcestoncentralcity. com.au/news/launcestonhistory-walk

Launceston City – Historic Walk, is available now on the Cya On The Road app from the App Store or Google Play. Search for Launceston City Walk in the app and rug up and enjoy the walk this winter and stop for a cuppa in one of our fabulous city cafes along the way.

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Improving the Playing Field “I’m very pleased to see Legana Tennis Club has made the most of receiving $50,000 through the 202122 Improving the Playing Field Grants Program.” Said Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Michael Ferguson “This project will give local tennis players access to two resurfaced existing clay courts, replacement of external and internal fencing on three courts, and the replacement and upgrade of existing court lighting.” “It will result in the facilities being more accessible to members of the community through increased availability and decreased maintenance.” The court resurfacing component replaces two existing clay courts with a synthetic surface which will significantly decrease preand post- use maintenance while the lighting upgrade will increase the courts’ hours of availability for use.

Legana Tennis Club anticipates a significant increase in membership over the next two years based on recent growth and the improved accessibility of the courts. The Club has an existing relationship with the St Michaels Association, providing weekly tennis participation opportunities to people with a disability. The Improving the Playing Field Grants Program is assisting sporting clubs and associations to improve facilities across Tasmania, helping to maintain and build participation rates across all sporting codes. “The Program is also providing assistance in supporting the building and construction industry and local jobs.”

Legana Primary School construction faces unanticipated delays Works are already underway at the new primary school for the Legana community, however the school will not open as early as the government have previously announced. “The new school is much anticipated in the Legana community, and I know families are already looking to when they can enrol their children.” Said Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch. “The Department of Education has been working to deliver the new school to be ready for the 2024 school year and will be tendering for a building contractor to undertake the works in the second half of this year.” “The Tasmanian construc-

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tion industry is currently at capacity, and while this is great news for local jobs, this also means there is strong competition for labour and building materials, placing pressure on the industry’s capacity to deliver major capital projects within expected timeframes.”

these projects sensibly and on time while maximising local job opportunities. We also recognise that families need certainty.”

The Tasmanian Government has been working closely with the building and construction industry to support the smooth delivery of what is set to be a significant and growing pipeline of work over the next few years.

“Our Government is also delivering a major upgrade of the West Tamar Highway - which includes a new intersection and pedestrian and cycleways for the school – and the Department is working with the Department of State Growth to align these two important projects.”

“We’ve committed to ensuring this pipeline of major capital projects is manageable for the local industry and that it is in a position to deliver on

“Therefore, the Department will now be focused on completing the new school in 2024 ready for school operations in 2025.”

Extensive community and stakeholder consultation has been undertaken to help shape the new school

and to determine the school’s intake area. “The department will be communicating widely with the Legana community and surrounding region about the intake area, the timeframes for completion of the school and the expressions of interest process for enrolments.”

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West Tamar Council issue a statement after the release of their 2022/23 budget The West Tamar Council understands that inflation is effecting our community, with the cost of living rising, we understand that people are experiencing varying degrees of financial hardship.

“Council isn’t a price setter, it’s a price taker and it charges what is necessary to provide the services that our community expects. It’s a delicate balance to get that right.” Mayor Holmdahl said.

Council has considered this along with the increase in waste costs due to the introduction of a landfill levy, recycling processing costs tripling over five years, the priorities Council has set in our long-term plans, no increases applied in 2020/2021 due to the COVID pandemic, statutory obligations, an expected change in costs of goods and services, and the needs and expectations of the community. At our June 2022 Council meeting, we passed a general rate increase of 3.9%, which is accompanied by a waste charge depending on the size of the bin, and the Fire Levy which we collect

“Council has a long history of budgeted surpluses, the budgeting of an underlying deficit has not come lightly as Council deals with impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as rising expenditures.” Mayor Holmdahl said.

on behalf of the State Government. Overall the increase equates to approxi-

mately $1.90 per property per week.

dahl said that Council has carefully considered what the right balMayor Christina Holm- ance was to provide the

best possible value for money without putting unnecessary strain on community members.

“Estimates for the 2022/23 financial year include a budgeted net-deficit of $25,000 and an underlying deficit of $0.5m excluding capital grants, with Council intending to raise $22.3m in rates. In preparing the estimates, Council continues to balance the demands for services, the operating costs of facilities and the need to deliver appropriate rating outcomes for the whole community.”

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Are you eligible for See red and blue, rego concessions? know what to do – now it’s yellow too Many Tasmanians are feeling the pressure with the rising cost of living, something the Tasmanian Government say they are working hard to put downward pressure on for everyone. When registering your car, have you checked if you are eligible for concessions to save you money? Discount rates are available for eligible vehicle operators including for registration duty, motor taxes, compulsory third party insurance premiums and vehicle registration fees. “Almost $12 million is already paid out each year, but as these concessions are

not capped more Tasmanians could be eligible and not realise it.” Said Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson. Eligible Tasmanians include those holding a pensioner concession or health care card, those on a TPI (totally and permanently incapacitated) pension, those with a severe disability and some asylum seekers. Available concessions include an up to 100 per cent exemption from duty on vehicle registration applications and transfers, 40 percent rebate on motor tax for commercial vehicles or 100 per cent for personal vehicles, a $56 discount on

MAIB third party insurance premiums and up to $52.94 on vehicle rego fees. “These discounts and concessions are already being applied for Tasmanian vehicle owners more than 255,000 times each year, but some eligible owners may be missing out by not checking their eligibility.” “It is just one way that we are helping reduce household budget stress for Tasmanians.” To find out if you are eligible for motor vehicle rego concessions go to concessions.tas.gov.au/concessions/vehicles

The Tasmanian Government has announced it’s plans for improving safety for vulnerable road users around Tasmania. Under the Towards Zero Action Plan 2020-2024, they plan to invest more than $75 million to improve road safety for all Tasmanian road users. It is important for motorists to know the new road rule making it mandatory to slow to 40 km/h or less when passing roadside assistance vehicles before it starts on 1 August this year. The rule that drivers must slow down to 40 km/h when passing emergency vehicles like police, fire and ambulances has proven a success with our critical response workers feeling safer and near-misses down.

The rule will now be extended to roadside assistance vehicles such as call-out or breakdown assistance, towing, battery replacement and other on-road support services to make these roadside workers safer. It’s important we all slow down to protect those who protect and assist us and whose workplace is the road. Just like the current rule which requires drivers to safely slow to 40 km/h when passing any stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicle with red, blue, or magenta flashing lights, now roadside assistance vehicles with flashing yellow lights will also get the same protection.

sure to fast-moving passing vehicles and keep them safe while they assist at roadside incidents. In speed zones over 80 km/h, if it’s not safe to slow to 40 km/h – for example if you’re driving a truck or a truck is behind you - you must slow down as safely as possible.

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The solution to the Tamar mudflat mess

Aerial View of the Tamar River Estuary, showing the vast mud flats that plague the river. (PHOTO: Zac Lockhart/Hyperlocal Media) By Regan Summers For many, the river Tamar (also referred to as kanamaluka) offers a place to connect and many great memories. From walking along the Seaport boardwalk in Launceston, or going on the river to row or sail, our local waterways holds a special place in the hearts of many Northern Tasmanians. However, as no secret, the issues plaguing the river are long standing and serious. From the expansive mudflats that choke the river to the invasive rice grass species that flank the riverbeds, the concerns surrounding the river are never far from the public consciousness. The valley surrounding the river Tamar has been important for the people living in the area for generations. Beginning with the Pangerninghe and Leterremairrener people and through

the European discovery and colonization of the area, beginning in 1804 with a settlement at Outer Cove until the city of Launceston was founded in 1806. After George Town’s construction in 1811, settlements around the valley remained few and far between until the discovery of gold in Beaconsfield in 1877 boosted the population and industry on and around the river. In the modern day and age, despite shipping to Port Launceston drying up in the 1960s, the river and its surrounding areas remain a vital part of the area. Whether it’s the aluminium smelter at Bell Bay that was opened in 1955 or the recreational fishing, rowing and sailing that continues to this day, the river Tamar has an important place within our culture and is the very heart of the Tamar Valley.

The issues with the river have been discussed for decades now, and many millions of dollars have been used to try and solve the issues of the invasive Rice Grass (Spartina Anglica) species, vast mudflats and the risk of extreme flooding such as the floods seen in 1929 and 2016. Despite years of discussion, broken political promises and failures, one group of invested locals have a plan for the Tamar, which would see these issues finally resolved.

process were sediment and other material that would usually be washed out into the open ocean are instead trapped in the river by the incoming tide.

The Tamar Action Group has been active since 2010, advocating for action on the river, and suggesting the installation of a barrage to control the tides. The CEO of this group, Andrew Lovitt, said that it would create a solution to all the previous problems in the Tamar, that incidentally, are the same problems we face today. The idea of a barrage is to deal with the ‘tidal trap’, the

“You can’t build higher Levi banks because they’re actually built on the former mudflats and if they’re built any heavier, they would sink.”

The barrage is also valuable in preventing the dangerous floods of past years. Speaking on this issue, Mr Lovitt said It would create a huge cushion with a freshwater lake so that if a major flood was coming, you would always get between 24- and 48-hours’ notice.

Chances are that you have seen the vast swathes of Rice Grass (Spartina Anglica) along the sides of the river. These were introduced in the 1920s and have quickly become an invasive spe-

cies along the river Tamar. A barrage along the river would also solve this issue according to Mr Lovitt. “Rice Grass occupies 30 km of the river,” said Mr Lovitt. “The grass around Gravelly Beach is so thick that birds can’t even nest in it. Less Rice Grass would then allow for more native flora and fauna to propagate the area.” Opponents to the barrage will often call out issues such as turning what is a flowing river into a freshwater lake or the environmental impact of such a construction. Luckily, an example of a barrage as proposed by the Tamar Action Group already exists in the United Kingdom city of Cardiff. Cardiff isn’t the only place to have such a project, however it is the most similar to the conditions that we have here in Tasmania. Completed in November 1999, the Cardiff Bay bar-

rage helped to revitalise the Cardiff Bay area. While the plan was being discussed, many were opposed to the project due to the costs and environmental impacts. However, since it was constructed, the barrage has been key to the revitalisation of Cardiff. The only significant issue reported were issues with the water quality, however this was quickly fixed by oxygenation systems. The best way to assist with this proposal is to sign up online at Tamaractiongroup. com where you can keep up to date with the latest updates and calls for action. Any help is greatly appreciated by the Tamar Action Group. “We are just a group of citizens who see a good idea and would like to see it get a fair go.” Mr Lovitt said.

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Semaphore messages fall upon deaf ears – future now uncertain

A vital link to our rich history - The semaphore towers were once the main method of communication through the Tamar Valley (PHOTOS: Neal Uncle - Supplied) By Regan Summers In the early days of colonisation in Northern Tasmania, communication was paramount. Especially in Launceston, where ships bringing supplies and goods for sale from the rest of the world could be delayed for days due to weather conditions at the mouth of the river Tamar. Making communication about the arrival of ships a key issue to be solved by early settlers. Like many historic sites, the remnants of the solution remain a vital link to our past. In the days before communication devices such as radios, mobile phones or even telegrams, a system known as semaphores was the predominant format for communication in the North of Tasmania.

Located at Mount George, Mount Direction and Windmill Hill, semaphore towers were constructed to be 18 metres high, with arms 5 metres wide. These arms were controlled by chains and when put into certain positions, would represent different numbers. The numbers reflected a code that could be translated and used to communicate which ship had arrived and it’s expected arrival time to the port in Launceston. The semaphores were designed by Peter Mulgrave with the first one being finished in October of 1835. In 1852, the system was expanded to include an additional station at Low Head. However, by 1858, the electric telegraph had overtaken the semaphores as the primary communication system. The semaphore stations fell out of favour

until reconstruction was undertaken, starting in 1984. Mount George restoration was finished in 1988, with Windmill Hill and Mount Direction being finished in 2000. The semaphore stations are a vital part of our past and continue to bring in tens of thousands of tourists to the area, who wish to learn about the history of the region and visit historic sites such as the semaphore stations at Mount George, Mount Direction and Windmill Hill. These stations offer a look back to the 19th century and the communication systems that were once used to overcome the challenges which existed prior to the advent of electrical communication. Recently, a George Town Council meeting was held with the intention of

addressing concerns from the community. The issue of the semaphores was brought up by local resident and historian Lorraine Wootton, asking about the allocation of $100,000 that was originally set aside for a Biomass project but could be reallocated to include repairing and rebuilding the semaphore station at Mount George. “The Mount George semaphore has long been a major tourist attraction linked to our maritime history that has brought more than 80,000 people to the area.” Lorraine Wootton said in a recent council meeting at George Town. When asked about this issue, George Town Mayor Greg Kieser said the following, “The George Town Council has a core strategy to diversify its local econo-

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my through the establishment of the tourism community in George Town. As a general rule we are very supportive of creating historical points of interest to drive visitation.” “However, in order to make any funding decision it is critical that we examine the potential return on our investment and make funding decisions accordingly. As things stand at this point in time, the semaphore station needs substantial funds to be reinstated, while the economics and payback scenario are at best not clear cut.” Said Mayor Kieser. Many residents around the areas of these sights are concerned for their future and if they’ll be given the attention they need to remain as a vital link to our past. The concern of losing this part of our history and vital

component to our tourism industry is understandable. “Yes, the semaphore mast and flagpoles are replicas, just like the Norfolk in the Bass and Flinders Centre and many of the historical attractions that have been rebuilt throughout the state. But they all tell the stories so that visitors can appreciate and learn more about our history.” Lorraine said. Many historical sites around the globe are replicas and that doesn’t diminish their crucial part in remembering the past and the interesting history of where we live. “The Low Head structure and Mount Direction site has already been maintained at no cost to the Council and the very least that the council can do is to see that the Mount George site is maintained as part of the network.”

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Council recognises outstanding community contribution A Bollywood dancer who worked with NDIS clients and a musician who helped save the city’s official band are among the list of recipients of the City of Launceston’s 2022 Community Recognition Awards.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by members of our community, who work so hard to help make Launceston a more welcoming, more beautiful and more accepting place to live. At a ceremony at Town Hall, Mayor van Zetten acknowledged four recipients across two categories - the citizen awards and the community event awards. The 2022 City of Launceston Community Recognition Awards recipients are:

• Darren Papworth - 2022 City of Launceston Community Recognition Citizen award. For more than 30 years voluntary service to numerous musical bands in Launceston and providing free tuition and mentoring to musical students and organisations.

• Pooja Joshi - 2022 City of Launceston Community Recognition Citizen award. For providing Bollywood Dancing services to aged care facilities, NDIS participants and schools improving social interaction and mental health. • Launceston Connect (presented by RANT Arts) - 2022 City of Launceston Community Event Award. For staging the Launceston Connect workshops in 2021 as part of the Minds Do Matter project

for vulnerable community members by fostering social connections with the aim of benefiting mental health and well-being.

• Launceston Harmony Day (presented by Ella Dixon from the Migrant Resource Centre) - 2022 City of Launceston Community Event Award. For staging the 2021 Launceston Community Harmony Day event celebrating diversity, inclusion and acceptance in a true celebration of what it means to live in a multicultural society. Mayor van Zetten paid tribute to all award recipients, praising their commitment to their community, their kindness, generosity, spirit of goodwill and acceptance.

our community who give of their own free time to help enrich the lives of others in our community without any expectation whatsoever.” Mayor van Zetten said.

George Town Local provisions Schedule

“While they certainly never undertake these commitments in the pursuit of recognition, I believe it is incredibly important that we come together as a community and recognise and celebrate their incredible and generous contributions to our beautiful city whether that is as an individual or a group or committee who come together to deliver an amazing event.”

George Town Council is transitioning to a new planning scheme. The draft George Town Local Provisions Schedule (draft LPS) is now ready for public exhibition. This is your opportunity to have your say on what planning rules and regulations will apply to your land. Submissions can be made from 4th July until 1st September 2022. You can find the draft LPS as well as lots of supporting information, including how to make a submission on the council website. We are also hosting some Drop-In Sessions in August. Please come along to

“We have a number of incredible individuals in

learn more about the draft LPS and ask any questions. • George Town Tuesday 2nd August at 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Jim Mooney Gallery • Hillwood - Thursday 4th August at 4:00pm -7:00pm | Hillwood Hall • Weymouth Tuesday 9th August at 4:00pm -7:00pm | Weymouth Hall For more information or discuss, please contact Council’s Planning team on 6382 8800 or email Planning@georgetown.tas. gov.au

JULY 2022 Is your event missing? You can now list your event online for FREE! Visit events.tamarvalleynews.com.au and click "List Your Event" - fill out the quick online form and your event will be listed in no time!

Retrospective: The Art Of Jean Cook @ Watch House Gallery, 84-86 Macquarie Street, George Town From 10th May - 10th July 2022. $3 Single Entry OR $5 Annual Pass 10am - 3pm Tuesday - Thursday & 11am - 1pm Saturday - Sunday

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@ The Grove, 25 Cimitiere St, George Town Monday 18th July, 2022 starting at 7.30pm Full event details online, & on page 12

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@ Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston Wednesday 20th July, 2022. 12pm-2pm - $70 Full event details online.

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@ Launceston Conference Centre 26th - 27th July 2022. 9am-5pm both days - $250 Full event details online & Discount code on page 5.

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Across

22 23

8 Burn (7)

1 Explosively violent (8)

9 Illusory pointer to gold (7)

2 Cattle station trainee (8)

10 Used in cooking (8)

3 Pride young 'un (4,3)

11 Bring forth (6)

4 Not far away (4,4)

12 Bring up (7)

5 Inherited (4,4)

13 Very detailed (2,5)

6 Wholly (8)

14 Dark-grey waterbird (4)

7 Kind of medicine (8)

17 Second largest stringed instrument (5) 19 Youth charity (1,1,1,1)

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15 Assistant (8) 16 You know what I'm drinking (3,5)

23 Impacts (7)

17 In a rage, you might get as mad as one (3,5)

24 Asks over (7)

18 Behave in a vulgar way (4,2,2)

25 Gets up late (4,2)

20 Like unicorns (8)

26 Shrill (8)

21 Designated (8)

27 Comments (7)

22 Unremarkable (7)

28 Frequent-flyer perk (7)

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What is a flea’s favourite way to travel? Itch hiking. An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, “Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.” The gentleman replied, “Oh, I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I’ve changed my will three times!” What do you call a parade of rabbits hopping backwards? A receding hare-line. Why did the old woman fall into the well? Because she couldn’t see that well.

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Launceston recognised as State’s top mobile phone recycler Tasmania – City of Launceston (Weight collected 204kgs) Queensland – Brisbane City Council (Weight collected 203kgs) South Australia – City of Onkaparinga (Weight collected 87kgs) Northern Territory – East Arnhem Shire Council (Weight collected 26kgs) Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Recycling Hub had proven popular with residents since its installation in 2019.

Launceston residents are the State’s top mobile phone recyclers, with a whopping 204 kilograms worth of old mobile phones recycled through the City of Launceston’s Town Hall Recycling Hub in the twelve months to April. The feat has seen the City of Launceston recognised as Tasmania’s top local government recycler by

MobileMuster for the third year in a row. MobileMuster is an Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association product stewardship program, aimed at reducing the industry’s environmental footprint through community education on repair, reuse and recycling Across Australia, more than 5.7 tonnes of mobile phones

were collected for recycling between March 2021 and April 2022.

ter, the nation’s top mobile phone recyclers over the past 12 months were:

Each year, MobileMuster recognises the top collectors in each state or territory at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, which is held in June in Canberra.

New South Wales – Hornsby Shire Council (Weight collected 670kgs)

According to MobileMus-

“The Recycling Hub caters to recycling streams that aren’t available through Launceston’s kerbside recycling collection service.” Mayor van Zetten said.

Western Australia – City of Stirling (Weight collected 452kgs)

“It’s a free service which allows people to bring in recyclable items like batteries, eyeglasses, plastic bread tags, toothbrushes and even CDs and DVDs for recycling.

Victoria – City of Monash (Weight collected 263kgs)

“It’s proven to be a convenient option for people who

want to drop off some recycling before going to work or going shopping.” The City of Launceston’s Sustainability Team Leader Michael Attard said mobile phones contained a number of component materials which could be recycled — including gold, zinc and copper. “It’s been a bit of fun to see all the different models of mobile phones that have been collected and to see how far technology has come in just a few short years.” Mr Attard said. “We see all kinds of phones being dropped off here, from the giant bricks of the late 1990s, to the flip phones of the early 2000s through to the very first smartphones.” “This latest recognition is a great reminder to people to bring that old phone or tablet either to the Recycling Hub here at the Town Hall or the Recycling facility at the Launceston Waste Centre, where it can be recycled responsibly.”

Residents Invited to The Big Plant Launceston residents, businesses, organisations and schools are being invited to participate in the single largest National Tree Day event in the city’s history, dubbed The BIG Plant. Coordinated by Tamar NRM and the City of Launceston, The BIG Plant will be held between Thursday, July 28 and Sunday July 31 and will see more than 8000 native trees planted on 176 hectares of land surrounding the Launceston Waste Centre. Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the land in and around the Launceston Waste Centre is habitat to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, including bandicoots, wallabies, wombats and wedge-tailed eagles. “This four-day community tree planting event will make a real difference to

our environment, creating future habitat for wildlife and beautifying the land around the waste centre.” Mayor van Zetten said.

carbon.” Ms Haeusler said.

“I encourage people to get involved and to be part of this community event which has already drawn strong interest from local schools and businesses. Not only will you be making a positive difference to our environment, but the event also promises to be a lot of fun.”

“This is an opportunity for your family, friends, school, organisation, local clubs or business to take part this important event — to be part of The BIG Plant and know you have done your bit to contribute to our local environment.”

Tamar NRM Project Coordinator Trish Haeusler said all tools and equipment for planting would be provided, but participants would need to bring gloves and sturdy shoes. “At its core, The BIG Plant aims to increase habitat, improve visual amenity, reduce stormwater run-off and erosion and capture

“It is also a great way to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday, July 31.”

“We look forward to seeing you on one of the four days — even if it is for a short time — as every contribution will help us reach our goal of planting 8000 trees.” Those interested in participating in The BIG Plant can register at tamarnrm. com.au. For more information, email Trish Haeusler at admin@tamarnrm.com.au

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Tales of the Tamar THE TAMAR RIVER SIGNAL STATIONS

By Peter Cox In 1817 work had started on laying out George Town as the new headquarters for Northern Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and there was need for rapid communication between Launceston and the Commandant who would reside in the new town. Mt Macquarie (now Mt Direction) was selected as an ideal site for a signal station as it gave a view of ships approaching the entrance and along almost all of the Tamar estuary, allowing a good check on shipping. Land was cleared on the mountain, but no mast was erected as it was soon obvious that the prevailing wind, usually from the NW or SE, made it almost impossible to read any signal flags from either Launceston or George Town. By 1825 Launceston was again the headquarters of government in Northern VDL so for a few years there was little need for a signal station. But by the 1830s Launceston merchants and farmers increased their demands for port improvements including a signal system between Low Head and Launceston. Rapid contact with George Town became more urgent for government purposes in 1830 when a Coast Waiter was appointed to search departing ships for escaping convicts, and arriving vessels for detecting contraband. George Town’s importance further increased when the Port Office was located there. Communication would only be achieved by relaying messages from Low Head

via Mt George and Mt Direction to Windmill Hill using semaphores, which by then were being used between Port Arthur and Hobart, using coded numerals. However, this would not work as well in the Tamar Valley where the distance between the stations and the frequent mists made it impossible to distinguish between the two arms, making codes based on numerals impossible. The solution was provided by Peter Archer Mulgrave, who in 1824 was the Superintendent of Police in Launceston and in 1826 was appointed to a Committee of management for the Tamar River. He had been Superintendent of Telegraphs in the Channel Islands where semaphores played a strategic role in naval warfare during the Napoleonic War. The Channel Islands had the same problem of distance and visibility as the Tamar Valley, and Mulgrave had invented an ingenious adaptation that involved turning one of the arms into a T shape. This enabled the left and right arms to be clearly identified at a distance and also doubled the range of numerals that could be used for a signal. Semaphore masts were erected at Mt George, Mt Direction and Windmill Hill and the network began relaying messages in 1835. The arms were much longer than those used in the Port Arthur system so that they could be seen from 15 kilometres. They also needed heavy counter weights so they could be easily swung into position by the signalmen. The Low

Head semaphore was added in 1852. Messages between the stations were coded into numerals. Code books were regularly published and publicly available. Some 165 numbers represented the sail plan of vessels, the names of regular ships, ports of destination and geographical features of the river. Private messages could also be sent by merchants and individuals, using their own codes. These were not displayed, but written in log books for recipients to read. Flagstaffs erected at Windmill Hill and Mt George relayed messages, using the Marryat Code of numerals, to the port offices on the wharf in Launceston and in Cimitiere St, George Town. The flag masts were quite large and coded messages were displayed using flags, for all the town to see. The network continued in operation until 1858 when the electric telegraph between Launceston and Low Head was established. On both Mt Direction and Mt George, a cottage was built for the Superintendent (a master mariner) and his family, and three convict passholders were assigned as signal men. There was a garden at each site. In 1984 Capt Bob Wallace (a councillor) and Wayne Shipp from the Pilot Station initiated the idea of building a replica of the original signal system. It became George Town’s major 1988 Bicentenary project and they worked on a Committee of Council chaired by Winston Little, along with Richard Nicholson, Peter Johns , Jan Sheppard, Huon

Top: Windmill hill cottage with flagstaff and semaphore mast (Supplied) Bottom-Left: Mt George Semaphore tower and newer tower. Bottom-Right: Close up of the Mt Directin Semaphore. (PHOTOS: Neal Uncle) Byard, Bob Hampton and Tim Parish to organise the construction of the semaphore masts at Mt George and Low Head.

station to Windmill Hill. A coloured brochure detailing a brief history of the Tamar Valley Signal Stations was produced.

The restoration of the site and construction of the first walking track and masts at Mt Direction site was undertaken by a local committee and later progressed by the Tamar Valley Signal Station Committee, which was joined by Cr Heather Barwick. Windmill Hill was organised by Launceston City Council.

Part of the Mt. George project was the gently sloping walkway up the final slopes to the summit and the planting of native shrubs that was completed by the Lions Club of George Town a year or so later.

The replica semaphore network was officially opened on the 30 September 2001, with a message relayed from Low Head via each

On Mt Direction there are substantial remains of the signalmen’s cottage, a well, stone walls around the yard and bolt holes where guys were attached to stabilize the semaphore mast. At Mt. George the cottage

foundations were covered by gravel, but beneath this cover they are still intact. There is also a dry-stone wall outlining the original garden, a cool store dug into the slopes and a spring that may have provided the water supply. Mt George has accommodated every form of communication system ever used (except Morse Code) - signal flags, semaphore, microwave (removed 1996), AM and FM Radio (Police, SES, Hydro & PLA), VHF (PLA) and Directional Digital (installed 1996). All four sites are significant, being representative of a unique semaphore network and the history of telecommunications.

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 will be held on MONDAY, 18th July, starting at 7.30pm, at The Grove. Current COVID conditions apply and masks are advised Speaker: Peter Ray - “Wool-clippers of the Tamar” including the Berean and Eden Holme If there are any changes, members will be advised by email. 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.