Cockle Creek & Wineglass Bay – work on a new gateway into the Southwest National Park and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is now underway. Tasmanian company AJR Construct is building a new shelter with amenities at Cockle Creek, a popular destination in the state’s far south. “These works at Cockle Creek will complement additional works within the Southwest National Park including road and carpark upgrades and improvements to the walking tracks and pedestrian areas,” said Liberal MHA for Franklin Nic Street. Works will begin this month and are expected to be completed by June 2021.
Meanwhile the Tasmanian government is calling for tenders to construct a second lookout within Freycinet National Park overlooking Wineglass Bay. Minister for Environment and Parks Roger Jaensch said the new lookout would reduce congestion in peak times at the ever-popular Wineglass Bay. “It will provide a new elevated viewing platform and walkway below and adjoining to the existing Wineglass Bay Lookout,” he said. “The new lookout was identified as a priority in the Freycinet Peninsula Master Plan 2019 and has been deliberately designed to blend into the landscape and improve the experience for visitors.” The tender closes on 29 July 2020.
doctors’ salaries – AMA Tasmania has reached an agreement with the state government on a three-year wages agreement for Salaried Medical Practitioners working in the public system. The agreement would see doctors receive an increase in salary of 2.3%, 2.3% and 2.35% each year with the first payment payable from the 1st of July 2020. The AMA had presented a Log of Claims to government late last year wanting to see improvements to working conditions for doctors that were more reflective of the actual work being done to support the health needs of patients. Lead negotiator Dr Michael Lumsden-Steel said that doctors were appreciative of the government’s offer in these uncertain economic times.
“This agreement is highly unusual and reflective of the times we are living in,” he said. “Doctors understood the need to reach agreement amicably and without the usual negotiations that would normally take place. However, with government resources tied up in the COVID response, we have been willing to put many of those issues aside for this agreement and will wait for the next bargaining period to bring our concerns back to the table.” He noted that the recruitment and retention allowance for north-west doctors is protected for the next three years. “This has been critical in helping the north-west lessen its reliance on locum doctors and recruit a more stable workforce going forward.”
Launceston Chamber of Commerce – the Chamber has appointed a new Executive Officer, David Peach, to commence in early August. He has a career that includes 25 years’ experience in senior management & consultancy across the IT, hospitality and not-for-profit sectors. For much of his career he has been a partner or owner of a business. He has also worked as the CEO of Not-for-profit, Black Dog Ride Australia and IT Director with Epilepsy Action Australia.
“With strong strategic planning, people management and commercial experience, he thrives being at the heart of multiple stakeholders and facilitating growth,” said Andrew Pitt, President. “His communication style and down to earth personality will enable him to quickly gain rapport and develop relationships across all levels. He believes Launceston offers a perfect blend of liveability, lifestyle and prosperity; and looks forward to working with the Chamber’s Board to build on the great works delivered by his predecessor and to help steer Launceston towards being one of the world’s great regional cities.”
northern suburbs passenger rail – the Liberal Government must commit funds to make a start on its promised passenger rail service to Hobart’s northern suburbs according to Labor MLC for Elwick Josh Willie. He said the government promised more than two years ago to deliver rail services within five years, but nothing has happened since.
“After the State and Federal Governments agreed to accelerate a City Deal for Hobart in 2018, the then Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding, promised to ‘pull out all stops’ to get the passenger rail built within five years,” He said. At the time, Hidding indicated work would get underway immediately to activate the corridor, by fixing level crossings and platforms and getting the non-operation line ready for use. “But, despite the City Deal containing $25 million for reducing congestion, including by activating the northern suburbs corridor, no money has been spent and nothing has been done,” he said. “The government itself said passenger rail would be a game changer for residents and businesses in the northern suburbs, so why are the people of the northern suburbs still waiting for some action? Passenger rail would be a catalyst for rezoning and construction of affordable housing and business developments, would help ease Hobart’s traffic issues and would give the area’s businesses and residents a huge boost in both the economic and social recovery from COVID-19.”
Bloody Long Run – participants in the Bloody Long Run, raising money for the Alex Gadomski Fellowship, crossed the finish line Saturday at the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research. A team of eight ran 300 kilometres in three days from Eddystone Point and were joined by Menzies Institute researchers for the last leg of the journey. The event also launched another initiative in the search for a cure; the Alex Gadomski Postgraduate Scholarship in Medical Research. The scholarship opportunity will soon be advertised, for three years of full-time study, focusing on bone marrow failure syndromes through the University of Tasmania’s College of Health and Medicine.
“It’s due to partnerships such as this between passionate community members and generous organisations which enable us to concentrate on our research,” said Director of the Menzies Institute, Distinguished Professor Alison Venn. “Last year we enjoyed ourselves fundraising at the Live Life Gala Ball – this year that wasn’t possible due to COVID-19. I thank the team of runners for braving the elements of winter in Tassie to raise money.”
passing of Mort Douglas – the successful businessman behind Morty’s Food Hall, and a string of retail outlets and developments in the north and on the east coast of Tasmania, passed away this week. “The state has lost a fantastic Tasmanian with the passing of Mort Douglas,” said Premier Peter Gutwein. “Mr Douglas was a Launceston icon who helped reshape the city as we know it and held a passion and vision to make Tasmania a better place. I wish to recognise Mr Douglas for his thoughtful innovation, which is widely recognised as being well ahead of his time. He leaves a legacy many will remember. On behalf of the Tasmanian Government he sent his deepest sympathies to Mr Douglas’ wife Carol, three children Marcus, Peter and Susan, his step-children, Ben and Katie as well as his family and many friends.
PESRAC – the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council (PESRAC) is expected to deliver its first report to the Premier on 20 July. The report will combine both immediate actions and recommendations to inform the 2020-21 state Budget. “With the state Budget due to be handed down in November, bringing forward the September interim report deliverables into the first report provides ample opportunity for the Council’s recommendations to be considered by the government and stakeholders well ahead of the 2020-21 Budget,” said PESRAC Chair Don Challen.
PESRAC will shortly commence a broad-based community consultation program working with the Tasmanian community to shape the details of the recommendations for its final report due to be provided to the Tasmanian government in February 2021. The Tasmanian government has promised to make the reports publicly available at the earliest opportunity. Additional details on the consultation program are available at: www.pesrac.tas.gov.au.