Saturday 15 December 2018

CHEERING CROWDS SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENT


The story goes that down at Town Hall there is this "special drawer" with a roll of red ribbon and a pair of gold plated scissors on the ready for the 'spin doctoring team' (apparently there are 4 members) to head out to a press event. They'll call in 'the press', stand around in a cluster, spout spurious political rubbish and call the occasion something it isn't really.

Also, in the cupboard next to the drawer is the rollout loan piper that'll fit most occasions, happy or sad, and of course there is the discreet blue digital 'ghetto blaster' charged up with all kinds soundscapes.

Scissors in hand, the spin doctors' mouth piece will spout their tales of deluded spin ready for the nightly news – and of course the website.

Apparently, any amount of cash is about fly in to town and the money that has been frittered away on this and that will its said, "all be found somewhere". If you're spouting spin doctors' world views you really do need to be equipped with a strong stomach in order to suppress the urge to up-chuck and weep at the very thought of being held 'truly accountable' for what you've said ... and worst of all what you believe in.

Its simple so long as you make the lie big enough, keep it simple, keep telling it, and eventually it'll be believed. So, we have: “we have the money and everything is OK"... repeat, repeat, repeat. “Launceston is absolutely fabulous”... repeat, repeat, repeat. “UTAS is good operation” ... this has been said how many times)? Repeat, repeat, repeat. 

“Quoting greedy fools bent on realising self serving allusion, or some shonky accountant's propaganda, has no place in our community and it is deeply upsetting to all of us,” says John Citizen. What is more upsetting is ignoring the stark similarities between the quote and what the current Council looks like it aims to continue to practise day in, day out as if nothing has happened, nothing has changed, whatever. 

The punters may not have realised yet the source of the quote, but it seems they're well ahead of the curve when it comes to political science. And there should absolutely be no place at Town Hall for any more of this crap ... Watch this space!
 
THE COUNCIL'S SPIN DOCTORS' VERSION OF REALITY: Launceston launches revitalised shopping district Published on 14 December 2018 ........................ Launceston’s Brisbane Street Mall redevelopment is officially open, marking a major achievement in the City Heart project. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government’s co-investment with the Tasmanian Government and the Launceston City Council, will create a more prosperous future for Launceston. ........................ “This is a perfect example of what can happen when all three levels of government work together,” Mr McCormack said. ........................ “This project will transform the heart of Launceston, encouraging new, creative businesses to set up shop and a new investment trend in inner city living with the development of new residential apartments and the renovation of existing buildings,” Mr McCormack said. ........................ Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the project is a key element in the Launceston City Deal. ........................ “The City Deal is a five year plan to make Launceston one of Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional cities and the opening of the redeveloped Brisbane Street Mall today marks a significant milestone in this important initiative,” Mr Tudge said. ........................ Tasmanian Minister for State Growth Peter Gutwein said after 47 consecutive months of retail growth in Tasmania, the Brisbane Street Mall remains a major driver of economic activity in Northern Tasmania. ........................ “Launceston’s economy is growing and this will accelerate even more in coming years as projects come on line,” Mr Gutwein said. ........................ “The Brisbane Street Mall redevelopment has created jobs during construction and will attract further investment into the city which will underpin ongoing jobs.” ........................ Senator for Tasmania David Bushby, who attended today’s opening, said the improved seating and shelter, enhanced lighting and reduced clutter will make the mall a more attractive and comfortable place to visit. ........................ “Creating a vibrant, accessible and ultimately enjoyable shopping district is key to building confidence and bringing investment into Launceston City, so we look forward to seeing what the future brings,” Senator Bushby said. ........................ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said the mall redevelopment builds on the Civic Square upgrade completed last July. ........................ “The City Heart project was designed to breathe new life into Launceston’s historic centre, improving access, public safety and providing dedicated events and play spaces within the city to increase visitor numbers – it is great to see this progress so successfully,” Senator Martin said. ........................ City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the community and Mall traders have been extensively consulted at every stage of the upgrade, with the Council using that feedback to select project designs and changes. ........................ "There is plenty of work left to do, however, with the redevelopment of St John Street, the expansion of public WiFi across the CBD and wayfinding infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists," Mayor van Zetten said. ........................ The City Heart Project is jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government investing $7,500,000, the Tasmanian Government $5,800,000 and Launceston City Council $7,038,000

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