LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Council Plays Favourits

Show Society 

I WRITE in response to an article “Show society still quiet on its future” (The Examiner, February 8). ................ It is with sadness that after 144 years of wonderful shows it now, along with many in Australia, is fighting for survival. ................ State monetary assistance of $122,500 would be appreciated by the board over four years. ................ The paltry sum of $39,875 supplied by council falls very short of assistance to other like-minded organisations. Festivale receive $40,000 a year. ................ The intended move of UTAS to Inveresk has caused many concerns, especially spruiking in media two weeks before the show that it would make 750 car parks on their site for students. ................ The show society has a 99-year lease from the Launceston city council................. There was a further insult to the society recently, when a cricket pitch suddenly appeared where equestrian events take place. ................ The society in 2016 endeavoured to improve its financial position by turning the land into motor home parking for 51 weeks. This would have given a return of $70,000, but was refused by the council. ................ There’s little doubt the show society and North Launceston Football Club are being “dumped down” in favour of UTAS. ................ Basil Fitch, Launceston.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  This Council's behaviour is way beyond the pale on this and so many other issues. Representational local government in Tasmania is appalling, truly appalling.