Our own instant millionaire

A DEVONPORT man will enter 2013 as a millionaire after winning $1.4 million in TattsLotto's $30 million Megadraw at the weekend.

The man was one of two Tasmanians to collect winnings in the Megadraw. The other lucky man was from the Launceston suburb of Newstead.

The Devonport man bought his winning unregistered QuickPick entry from Centre Newsagency and Lotto in the Woolworth's Arcade in his home town.

He told Tatts officials it would change his life.

"When I checked the TattsLotto results in the newspaper, I just kept crossing the numbers off one by one. I started thinking 'well, this looks promising'," he said.

"Now I will be able to buy a lot of things I couldn't afford before."

He also intends to travel.

In the 2012 calendar year, 10 Tasmanian have scored division-one prizes totalling more than $11.5 million.

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One dead in Bay of Fires crash

ONE person is dead and two are trapped after a head-on collision at a popular holiday spot in Tasmania's north-east.

Police said the crash happened this afternoon on Gardens Rd, The Gardens, near Swimcart Beach.

The area, near St Helens, is a popular destination over the Christmas and New Year period.

Emergency services are at the scene.

The road is closed and police have advised motorists to avoid the area.

It is Tasmania's third road death over the festive period and takes the 2012 road toll to 32 -- eight more than at the same time last year.

Read more in tomorrow's Mercury.

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Burma crash duo vow to return

THEY escaped the burning wreckage of a plane crash in Burma, but Tasmanian Stuart Benson and South Australian girlfriend Anna Bartsch plan to return to the country to complete their unfinished holiday.

The couple arrived in Australia yesterday morning, greeted by relieved family and friends, four days after they walked away from the charred ruins of a flight that crash-landed in a paddock in Heho in central Burma, killing two people and injuring 11.

Speaking at Adelaide Airport, they said they were eager to go back and see the sights they missed when their two-week getaway was cut short on Christmas Day.

"There are a few more sights we're keen to see and we had a great time it's an amazing country," Ms Bartsch said.

"It certainly hasn't put us off going back and we hope it doesn't put other people off exploring the region."

Ms Bartsch, 31, and Mr Benson, 32, said they were thankful to arrive in Adelaide and excited by the prospect of some home comforts.

"I was a bit nervous boarding the flight from Singapore but I'm just glad it's all over," Mr Benson said.

"The tail-end of the trip (in Burma) was meant to be three days on a beach, so I'm looking forward to taking up that opportunity in the next trip."

The couple left Adelaide on December 18 and had been scheduled to return to South Australia tomorrow.

They were sitting at the back of the plane that crashed about 3km short of Heho airport.

Ms Bartsch escaped with a few minor sprains and Mr Benson sustained back pains.

"I don't think I've ever really had an experience when I've thought 'this is about it'," Mr Benson said.

"We were stuck inside for a bit while the plane was burning, at which point things were not looking great.

"The back injuries I've got are very common to what we'd see in the rollover of a Targa car.

"The wings coming off show what an impact it was."

Officials in Burma are investigating the cause of the crash, which happened when the Air Bagan Fokker 100 jet tried to land in heavy fog.

On Friday the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade revised the number of Australians in the plane crash from five to six. They included three Queenslanders and one dual-nationality citizen who did not live in Australia, a department spokesman said.

Mr Benson said the crash had replayed in his mind since Tuesday and that talking to other survivors about the ordeal had helped him cope.

"It was in the days following that it really hit home," he said.

"We were seeing all the photos come through and realised how bad it actually was."

The couple's luggage was destroyed. They have received some compensation and expect further reimbursement.

Mr Benson plans to return to Hobart to see his family in coming weeks.

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City gets Taste of traffic jam

TOP TASTES: Joe Bennett of Get Shucked Oyster Farm and Will Bignell of Tasmanian Highland Cheeses enjoy their fare. Their combined stall, which also included Craigow Wines/Tap Barley Beer/Belgrove Estate Highland Whisky was named best stall for 2012.

TASTE Festival organisers were unapologetic about parking problems yesterday when a perfect storm of multiple events created traffic snarls in and around Hobart's Salamanca precinct.

Tens of thousands converged for the Taste's second day, which coincided with the weekly Salamanca Market plus the Sydney-Hobart yacht race and the annual Antique Fair at City Hall.

The events bonanza created city traffic jams and along Sandy Bay and Hampden roads.

Long queues at the carparks, toilets and ATMs were inevitable because of the huge crowds.

Hobart City Council festival co-chairman Peter Sexton urged patrons to use common sense when travelling to events by organising shared transport and abandoning ideas of parking next to the venue.

"Parking is always an issue because people want to park at the front door," Ald Sexton said.

There were 800 free carparks in council's Argyle St and Centrepoint parks plus 700 at the Park and Ride in the Domain.

But he admitted there were signage problems with the Domain carpark, which was hidden behind the Moscow Circus.

Much of the Domain remained empty yesterday. He said more car parking and better communication would be a feature of next year's Taste.

He said a fraction of Taste patrons needed transport because many stayed in or close to the site.

"At any major event in the world, it's not possible to get there you have to use the bus or walk," he said.

Southern District Police Inspector Grant Twining said anyone who thought they could park close to such a big event was naive.

Insp Twining said the council had done a great job with Taste's traffic.

"It's congested simply because there's thousands of people here," he said. "You can get a park in Barrack Street five minutes away."

Police also received a number of queries from tourists unable to hail taxis yesterday.

The Salamanca taxi rank had been relocated to Kirksway Place and outside Customs House during the Taste.

More roads will be closed today between 9.30-10.30am for the Race to The Taste Fun Run.

Police have advised motorists to avoid Upper Domain Rd, Davies Ave, McVilley Drive,Tasman Highway, Davey St, Argyle St, Morrison St and Castray Esplanade.

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Energy honeymoon over

THE honeymoon period for Aurora customers is to come to an end, with electricity disconnections set to more than double in Tasmania in the next 12 months.

Aurora had given Tasmanian customers a four-month amnesty on disconnections as they rolled out a new billing system in the last half of this year.

However, the company has warned it will soon be operating like energy companies in other states, which have been disconnecting customers at a growing rate.

In Victoria, 24,000 households had their power cut off in the past year -- a 33 per cent increase from 2011. Disconnections in South Australia have grown by 38 per cent, Queensland 20 per cent, and New South Wales 25 per cent.

Aurora spokesman Richard Wilson said the company expected 2000 disconnections next year -- double the average of 1000 disconnections a year for the past two years.

Only 226 Aurora customers lost their power in 2011-12 because of the four-month amnesty on disconnections to allow a new billing system to be installed, Mr Wilson said.

Disconnections dropped from 998 in 2010-11 to 226 in 2011-12. Of these, 178 were residential customers and 11 were businesses.

Mr Wilson said making regular payments through a payment plan was the best way to avoid a disconnection.

"Disconnections are the worst outcome for everyone but especially for the customer," he said. "It affects their credit rating and they lose their electricity supply."

Mr Wilson said the company had arranged 2490 payment plans in the last quarter.

The increased disconnections will come as a blow to the State Government, which is set to sell Aurora customers at the end of the year into a full retail contestable market.

Energy expert Frontier Economics director Danny Price told the Mercury in late October concerns about the credit ratings of Aurora customers and Aurora's market monopoly were scaring off energy retailers.

He said the sale of energy customers on the mainland had generated about $1000 to $1500 per customer but Aurora would be lucky to get $300 per customer.

jennifer.crawley@news.com.au

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Bikie boss in Tassie buy up

THE boss of one of Australia's most notorious bikie gangs has been buying up property across Tasmania.

The Mercury can reveal Sydney-based Rebels Motorcycle Club national president Alessio Emmanuel "Alex" Vella has bought several properties in the state and owns real estate in Hobart, Launceston and Sorell.

Police say the Tasmanian branch of the Rebels has high-level links to the operation and control of the national motorcycle gang.

Apart from Mr Vella's properties, his son, Alex Jr, is listed as the owner of waterfront land at Triabunna.

That land, which locals say has only ever housed a large shed, was previously owned by the parents of a Tasmanian Rebels president.

The Tasmanian properties owned by Alex Vella house Rebel clubhouses at Letitia St in North Hobart, Merino St in Kings Meadows and in suburban Sorell.

Mr Vella has drug convictions.

"It's of concern that someone with a criminal history such as Mr Vella has close ties with Tasmania and comes to the state quite frequently," said Tasmania Police drug squad boss John Arnold, who is Tasmania's representative on the Australian Federal Police's anti-Rebels taskforce, Attero.

Detective-Inspector Arnold said it was a serious issue for Tasmania.

"The Tasmanian Rebels try to abrogate themselves from the illegal activities of the club interstate, when Mr Vella's property interests make it clear they have strong links with those activities at the highest level," he said.

With eight chapters in Tasmania comprising 50 patched members, police say the Rebels have long tried to paint a positive picture of the club with their participation in charity events such as the Christmas Toy Run and by saying that they are a community-friendly group of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

But the PR campaign hit a hurdle when a dozen members and associates were arrested in Launceston last year in an alleged $450,000 methamphetamine trafficking ring bust.

And police say the Rebels continue to play a key role in the distribution of methamphetamine in this state.

"The Launceston experience would tell us some of the members are heavily involved in the manufacture and distribution and they certainly are interstate, so it would be naive to think they're not still involved here," Insp Arnold said.

The AFP and police in all states and territories have a task force Attero, whose purpose is to eradicate the Rebels.

Police in Tasmania are asking Tasmanians to provide information on the Rebels' locations and activities.

"What we're saying is ring Crime Stoppers where your anonymity can be protected, because any information about their presence in the state and their movements is of value to us," Insp Arnold said.

The Mercury sought comment from the Rebels but none was received.

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Arrest over road rage attack

A 63-YEAR-OLD man is in police custody and a 37-year-old man is in hospital with stab wounds after a road rage incident at Glenorchy this morning.

Police say an altercation between the two men unfolded after both drivers pulled up side by side at the intersection of Main Rd and Lampton Avenue about 10am.

The 63-year-old allegedly failed to turn left despite apparently being in a turning lane.

Both drivers then pulled up in the car park of nearby Supercheap Auto and the younger man was allegedly stabbed by the older man in the back and head after a verbal stoush.

One of the men pushed the other, according to police.

Police will allege the older man then produced a knife and stabbed the 37-year-old before leaving the scene.

"As a result of investigations conducted, detectives attended an address in Montrose where a 63-year-old male person was taken into custody without incident," Detective Inspector David Plumpton said.

The alleged offender was taken to Hobart Police Station, where he was awaiting interview this afternoon.

"While this matter has still to go before court in general terms, police would like to remind people that no matter what the reasons such behaviour will not be tolerated," Det Insp Plumpton said.

He said this was "an extreme example" of road rage and asked drivers to exercise patience on the roads at this busy time of year.

"Police ... are still appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have witnessed two Ford Falcon vehicles stationary at the intersection of Lampton Avenue and Main Rd prior to them both driving south on Main Rd," he said.

Witnesses can contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or the Glenorchy CIB 6230 2821.

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Hungry hordes storm Hobart

The crowd at day one of this year's Taste, which will be open until 11 tonight. Pictures: SAM ROSEWARNE

THOUSANDS of Tasmanians, tourists and wave-weary yachties have surged into the Taste Festival, which opened at 11am today on Hobart's waterfront.

Christmas dinners apparently long forgotten, the hordes could not get enough of fish and chips, wine and extravagant berry and ice cream desserts.

More stalls and more space have been provided this year, but there was still not enough seating for some.

Stalls were set up on the lawns of Salamanca Place and activities were held on Parliament lawns as the seven-day event, formerly the Taste of Tasmania, sprawls out from its traditional base at Princes Wharf No 1 shed.

There are 88 sites at the Taste in its 24th year.

Three members of the Yaizu-Hobart Friendship Association and a Yaizu City staff member are preparing traditional Yaizu food and drinks including deep sea water tofu, onigiri and genmai cha for today and tomorrow. They will offer free samples for visitors to taste.

Festival judges have picked their top wines from the 140 entered. Every stallholder put their wines up for judging.

Wine writers and critics Louise Radman and Winsor Dobbin, winemaker and consultant Nav Singh and Taste wine convenor Phil Laing were judges.

"The judging was conducted with immediate enjoyment over the week of the Taste in mind," Mr Laing said.

"The top and runner-up wines in each category are all wonderful wines.

"The sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir classes are particularly strong, with three, four and six wines respectively of gold-medal quality."

All winning wines will be available for tasting and purchase at the Cascade Taste Festival bars.

Glasses -- supplied by Riedel thanks to its partnership with the festival -- cost $12 and can be reused throughout the festival.

Sparkling

Winner: 2007 Bream Creek

Runners-up: 2009 Spring Vale Salute, 2008 Home Hill Daisy Rosé

Sauvignon Blanc

Winner: 2012 Bream Creek

Runner-up: 2012 Devils Corner

Riesling

Winner: 2012 Milton Riesling

Runners-up: 2011 Laurel Bank Riesling, 2012 Pipers Brook Gewurztraminer

Pinot Grigio

Winner: 2012 Holm Oak Pinot Gris

Runner-up: 2012 Ninth Island Pinot Grigio

Chardonnay

Winner: 2009 Bream Creek

Runner-up: 2011 Spring Vale Reserve

Rosé

Winner: 2012 Milton

Runner-up: 2011 Bream Creek

Pinot Noir 2009 and younger

Winner: 2010 Derwent Estate

Runner-up: 2010 Kelvedon Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir 2009 and older

Winner: Craigow 2009

Runner Up: Spring Vale 2009

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon

Winner: Holm Oak Merlot 2008

Runner-up: 2010 Stefano Lubiana Merlot

Sweet/dessert

Winner: 2011 Milton Iced Riesling

Runner-up: 2011 Tamar Ridge Botrytis Riesling

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Oats could smash race record

Wild Oats is potentially still on target for a new Sydney to Hobart race record as she enters Bass Strait this morning. Picture: BRETT COSTELLO

WILD Oats XI is steaming towards Hobart ahead of record pace in the 68th Rolex Sydney-Hobart.

The Sydney supermaxi could cross the finish by as early as midnight to 2am overnight, which would smash the race record of 1 day 18 hours 40 minutes 10 seconds Wild Oats set on debut in 2005.

The Oats already broke the record for the fastest exit through Sydney Heads on Boxing Day, and -- barring mishap -- has line honours in the bag.

Being positioned so far ahead of the race record, and the 76-strong fleet, also has the 100-footer leading the race for the Tattersalls Trophy as overall winner on handicap.

Last year's winner Ragamuffin Loyal is second on the water, followed by Lahana and Black Jack.

However, Ragamuffin could face a time penalty when she arrives in Hobart as punishment for jumping the start on Sydney Harbour.

That will be determined by an International Jury, which gathers annually to judge infringements of the rules and protests during the Sydney-Hobart.

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore Howard Piggott confirmed Ragamuffin's infringement.

"Ragamuffin broke the start -- her bow was over the line when the gun went," Piggott said.

"Under the sailing instructions [race rules] the recall advice has to be given out five minutes after the start.

"However, the signal to the boat at the five minute mark appears not to have been given to notify the skipper of Ragamuffin that he'd broken the start.

"For the reason the race chairman has decided to record him as over at the start but put an application for redress to the international jury."

That means the race committee's failure to notify the skipper could be Ragamuffin's escape clause from copping a penalty.

Hobart yacht Cougar II is the best-placed of the Tasmanian boats, placed 17th in the fleet, while fellow Tasmanians Helsal 3, Martela and Dump Truck have all spent time in the top three of their divisions on handicap.

Five-times line honours-winning skipper Mark Richards this morning described the opening day to the 68th Rolex Sydney-Hobart as a rough start.

"It was a pretty challenging night for the guys," Richards said.

"We've had a lot of sail changes and a lot of different conditions happening but we got through it pretty nicely.

"We actually got a bit of damage to one of our centreboards.

"We hit a log, I think, in fairly high seas and did a bit of damage there.

"But we've got that under control."

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Woman, 70, missing again

DELORAINE police are searching for a 70-year-old Westbury woman who has been missing since Christmas Eve.

Police said Patricia Marion Manners was last seen at Dunorlan, a tiny township near Deloraine.

She is described as about 158cm tall, with grey shoulder-length hair and a stooped posture.

Ms Manners was also reported missing in September, when police expressed concern she could be in a "confused state of mind".

Anyone who believes they have seen Ms Manners should call 131 44 or contact the Deloraine Police Station on 6362 4004.

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Bird strikes early on debut

JACKSON Bird has made an instant impression in his Australia Test debut at the MCG, grabbing two impressive top-order scalps against Sri Lanka.

The 26-year-old struck in the fourth over of the Boxing Day Test when Dimuth Karunaratne lunged forward and was caught behind for five.

He took his second wicket just after lunch when Thilan Samaraweera played a dreadful shot and spooned a catch to David Warner at mid wicket.

Former Australian swing bowler Damien Fleming likened the impressive Bird to Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath.

With a habit of uprooting top-order batsmen and a wicket-taking stock delivery, Fleming said Bird showed more than enough today to prove he will be a long-term Test bowler.

Fleming coached Bird in his time at the Australian Cricket Academy and said the subsequent improvements to his technique were the building blocks of a promising international career.

Bird, 26, showed few nerves in picking up 2-32 in 13 overs, maintaining his outstanding first-class strike rate at the MCG.

More importantly though, five maidens highlighted control that not only claimed two key early breakthroughs, but that Fleming says will be critical in English conditions in next year's Ashes series.

"I think it's important for all bowlers to know that your best ball can get out the best batsman," Fleming said.

"And from what we've seen, he already knows that if he bowls enough of his good balls, he'll get enough wickets at Test level.

"He doesn't look like one of these guys who goes on an emotional rollercoaster, he's pretty laid back.

"It's very early days for him, but he's not unlike (Glenn) McGrath and Stuart Clark in that they've got a nice, bouncy, accurate stock ball.

"And it's shown over the history of Test cricket that those types of bowlers get wickets ... and he's probably got a more natural outswinger than those two."

Bird hit the spot early, beating opener Dimuth Karunaratne with the first ball of his second over and having a big LBW shout turned down the next ball.

Again using his stock delivery that swings into the left-hander, Bird almost forged a path between bat and pad with the third ball of the over, then showed nous beyond his experience to slant one across with his fourth ball to find the edge and shove Sri Lanka on the path to its meek demise.

The lithe Tasmanian then rushed on to the dangerous Thilan Samaraweera with a shorter ball that he could only spoon to David Warner at mid-wicket.

"What we're seeing here from Birdy is that there are now enough attributes to be a good international bowler," Fleming said.

"Back (at the Academy) he was very inconsistent with his wrist releases, so I reckon a majority of times he pushed the ball in.

"He was working on trying to get that outswinger and that's what you've seen from him not only today, but for the last two years -- consistent outswing.

"What we like is that he's got a nice run-up that goes towards off stump, his action is aligned and he has a high release.

"I don't think any action is bulletproof, but it doesn't look like it puts any strain through him.

"And talking to domestic players, they reckon his big strength is he hits high on the bat and that he makes you play.

"They're qualities you love in an into-the-wind bowler, you can take that anywhere in the world -- particularly England -- and you should have a good success rate."

Fleming said the only knock on Bird in English conditions was that he bowled marginally short during the mid-year Australia A tour.

"You should be about a metre fuller in England anyway, but with his fundamentals, you'll hope he's able to adjust his length just a little bit.

"If your line is good and the action of your run-up is good, you should be able to adjust your length, whether you're looking at the pitch, the stumps, or the keeper's feet, there's got to be something there to focus on and he's been impressive enough that he should be able to do that without a problem."

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Blaze threatens Dolphin Sands

A SCRUB is burning out of control at Dolphin Sands, north of Swansea, on Tasmania's East Coast.

Residents of Dolphin Sands Rd have been urged to activate their bushfire plans, with the Tasmania Fire Service sending 10 units to tackle the blaze.

The TFS has enacted a "watch and act status" for the fire, which means conditions are changing and residents need to start taking action to protect themselves and their families.

Anyone wishing to leave the area has been advised to do so now but only if the path is clear.

The football club at Swansea will be the evacuation point if required.

A Tasmania Police spokesman said officers had been sent from Swansea and Bicheno to help the TFS.

The blaze was reported about 3.30pm today.

Non-residents are advised to stay away from the affected areas.

There may be embers, smoke and ash falling on Dolphin Sands Rd and Cambria Rd is closed.

For up-to-date information, listen to ABC Local Radio and visit the TFS website.

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Bruny delays likely

Long queues for the Bruny Island ferry at Easter.

COMMUTERS bound for Bruny Island are advised to expect delays during the busy festive period.

Shane Gregory, from the Department of Infrastructure, said motorists traditionally had a longer wait in Kettering from Boxing Day through to December 28 and again on New Year's Eve.

He said a contingency plan had been developed to manage the possibility of queuing on the Channel Highway.

"We're encouraging motorists to consider travelling during non-peak times, for example catching one of the first two sailings of the day, at 6.35am or 7.45am," the general manager of traffic infrastructure services said in a statement.

"If you do decide to travel during peak times, try to allow enough time for your journey and remember there could be delays of at least two hours.

"Make sure you carry enough water, especially if you are travelling with pets or children, and try to be patient and respectful of others.

"Motorists should only stop in Ferry Rd where it's possible for local traffic to pass."

To check out the ferry timetable, click here.

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Santa visits tree sitter

Santa helps environmental activist Miranda Gibson celebrate her second Christmas in a tree in southern Tasmania.

WHILE most Tasmanians will gather around a Christmas tree today, conservationist Miranda Gibson will still be up one – a 400-year-old eucalypt to be precise.

The 31-year-old began her tree sit in the state's Styx Valley on December 14, 2011, as part of a protest against logging in Tasmania's high conservation value forests.

Perched on a platform 60m above the ground, the former school teacher is now spending her second Christmas in the Observer Tree.

"This time last year I had hoped that I would not have to spend another Christmas here, and that this forest would be securely protected by now," Ms Gibson said in a statement yesterday.

"Sadly, after a year, I still need to be here watching over this forest that remains under threat.

"I hope that I will not be here for a third Christmas."

She said the Federal Government would have an opportunity in 2013 to nominate the surrounding forests for World Heritage protection.

"What a wonderful Christmas gift it would be for all of Australians … to have these forests protected for future generations," Ms Gibson said.

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Tragic start to holiday period

The vehicle at the crash scene in East Bagdad Rd yesterday. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

A MAN in his 70s is dead, after his ute hit an embankment and turned onto its side at Bagdad yesterday.

The victim, the sole occupant of the grey Ford utility, is understood to have been close to his home on East Bagdad Rd when he lost control of the vehicle.

Accident investigators believe a medical condition may have caused the crash.

"It's too early to say at this stage but that's certainly something we're looking at," Sergeant Rod Carrick said at the scene.

He said speed, inattention and drugs or alcohol had been ruled out as factors.

An examination of the crash site yesterday showed the driver had crossed to the wrong side of the road just before 1.45pm while travelling north and had driven into the roadside table drain. The ute continued for a short distance before rolling onto the passenger side.

Another motorist saw the accident and stopped to provide assistance but the man died at the scene.

With Operation Crossroads now in full swing nationwide, police are urging drivers to do what they can to make themselves and their passengers safe over the Christmas and New Year period.

The official 12-day holiday period got off to a terrible start with six road deaths around the country.

Two women and one man died in three separate road accidents in Victoria, a young woman died after her car crashed into a tree in South Australia and an elderly woman died near Wollongong in NSW.

Tasmania's road toll currently stands at 30 compared with 23 for the same period last year.

The national holiday road toll period ends on January 3.

zara.dawtrey@news.com.au

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Drive to survive this Christmas

Tasmania Police officers have detected 11 drink drivers after conducting almost 2000 random breath tests.

MORE than 60 motorists have been caught speeding and 11 have been picked up for drink-driving offences in the Tasmania Police Christmas blitz.

Inspector Shane Lefevre today released the latest results of Operation Crossroads, which aims to keep the state's roads safe over the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Tasmania has already recorded one fatality for the holiday period, with an elderly man killed in a single-vehicle crash at Bagdad yesterday.

The Operation Crossroads figures show that 11 drink-driving offences have been detected after 1995 random breath tests, with three drivers testing positive for drugs.

A total of 83 traffic infringement notices have been issued and 65 motorists have been caught speeding.

Drivers are reminded to:

• Slow down and drive to weather and road conditions.

• Plan their trips and take a break every two hours to avoid fatigue.

• Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt.

The SES also issued a reminder that many volunteers would be mobilised in the coming days to perform a range of duties, including road accident rescue and traffic management.

The would also be manning driver reviver stations across the state in January.

SES assistant director George Cretu said volunteers, when in uniform at traffic incidents, were authorised to participate in roadclosures and give traffic signals and directions.

He said motorists should follow the directions they were given.

'Whilst the overwhelming majority of motorists comply with the directions of volunteers with patience and understanding, now and again some people don't accept the directions or make inappropriate comments to the volunteers," he said in a statement.

"It could be that some don't understand the SES role or it could be that people are in too much of a hurry.

"As with its other partner emergency services, the SES urges all motorists to be patient on the roads this summer."

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Action plea on light rail

SUPPORTERS of Hobart's proposed light-rail system have renewed calls for action following the release of the business case review yesterday.

Aecom's review of ACIL Tasman's 2011 business case found it was an essentially fair and sound appraisal of the project but likely optimistic in terms of capital and operating costs.

The review also forecast low commuter numbers.

Describing the review as "disappointing", Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group president Ben Johnston said action, including genuine community consultation, was needed.

"We really haven't progressed over the past two and half years," he said. "There needs to be more stakeholder engagement and genuine community consultation to build an effective business case.

"We're keen on action beyond words and flawed reports."

Mr Johnston also raised some concerns about the independence of the review.

"As the major community stakeholder, we are concerned that the mainland-based consultants were selected without going through an open tender process," he said.

Former Greens leader Bob Brown said he would convene a meeting of people and organisations who had shown an interest in the project on February 15 next year at MONA to help push it forward.

"I think the light rail is a fabulous opportunity but it needs co-ordination from the wider community," Mr Brown said.

"The Hobart light rail is a sign of whether our city is going to zing into the future or languish."

And Tasmanian Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim said he remained firmly committed to the light-rail project.

"I do think it's in the best interests of public transport in Hobart and, in fact, in the best interests of Hobart and Tasmania," he said.

"We will now conduct a separate business case on Stage One from Hobart to Glenorchy on the basis we believe we can get a significantly improved outcome that will allow me to make application to the Commonwealth Government for funding next year."

Opposition spokesman on sustainable transport Matthew Groom said the public was tired of reviews.

"Nick McKim releasing yet another review is a bit like Groundhog Day," he said. "What we need is a clear strategy and plan of action rather than these endless reviews."

He said the Liberal Party was not prepared to give up on the prospect of a light-rail system.

"We support additional public transport options in the northern suburbs and the light rail needs to be assessed in that context," he said.

To access the full report, go to www.dier.tas.gov.au

elizabeth.lord@news.com.au

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Festive real estate boom

WITH fewer open homes and active agents, Christmas and New Year can be a tricky time to buy or sell a home.

But with a slight market improvement across the state over the past three months, Real Estate Institute of Tasmania president Adrian Kelly says the current climate could translate to a spike in sales.

"The interest rate reductions have put more confidence into the market so I do think it is a good time to be selling," he said.

"Personally, I think we'll have a pretty good run of sales right through to Easter. And then we may see the usual winter slowdown that we've experienced over the last few years."

With Hobart the country's most affordable capital city with a median dwelling price of $305,875, there are many bargains to be had for serious local buyers or those coming from interstate or overseas for a summer holiday.

"It tends to hot up [the market], particularly in Hobart because you've got the Sydney to Hobart, the Wooden Boat Festival and the Taste Festival," Mr Kelly said.

"The agents that do actually work over Christmas and New Year's tend to do OK while we've got lots of mainlanders here.

"It might be a little bit different this year with the market being the way it is. Nevertheless they'll be here and many will look for properties."

Last summer there were 1712 sales across the state and with more than 9000 houses and units for sale, real estate agents and industry professionals are hopeful for even higher sales figures this summer.

Of the properties on the market, around 130 come with a price tag of more than $1 million but Mr Kelly believes prospective visiting buyers may target the cheaper end.

"A lot of them are looking for a little investment property," he said.

jessica.howard@news.com.au

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Flowing with festive cheer

Revellers packed Salamanca Place last night.

THOUSANDS of Hobart revellers started putting the "merry" into this year's Christmas holiday period last night.

There was a bumper and boisterous crowd at Salamanca for the traditional Christmas break-up drinks.

Police estimated about 10,000 people took advantage of the mild weather and clear skies to converge on the Hobart waterfront.

Check out the gallery

The Salamanca lawns were transformed into a street party, with live music, barbecues and vans serving alcohol.

Police Inspector Glen Woolley, officer in charge of Hobart, said it was a lively but orderly crowd.

"Overall the crowd is well behaved, considering the large number of people," he said.

"So far it's a jovial crowd and we just hope it stays that way," he said.

Insp Woolley said the good behaviour was partly because of the strong police presence, with 22 police patrolling the waterfront last night.

Police had made four arrests for disorderly conduct up until 9.30pm.

Insp Woolley said it was the largest gathering he had seen in the three years he had been patrolling Salamanca pre-Christmas Friday nights.

The holiday drinks have been a tradition in Salamanca for nearly 30 years, with thousands gathering on the lawns across from Knopwoods Retreat.

While the outside drinking area was still enclosed by a 1.2m barrier fence last night, the area was less fortress-like than the past seven years when a 1.8m "cage" had been erected.

Knoppies licensee Kate Cawthorn praised the lower barriers.

"It has more of a festival feel, we're really happy with it," she said.

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Snapshot shows healthy state

THE latest snapshot of Tasmania is in, and the news is mostly good.

We are richer and smarter than two years ago. We call ourselves optimists, but we can be a little tight with the purse strings. We don't trust governments, but we reckon we lead full and busy lives.

Every year leading advertising company Clemenger puts together a comprehensive snapshot of the habits and mood of the nation.

Based on quarterly Roy Morgan surveys of more than 50,000 people, it identifies the traits we share and the things that set us apart from each other.

Clemenger's report, The State of Tasmania, reveals locals are generally upbeat about their lives, particularly in Hobart, where the proportion of people counting their glass as half-full approaches 80 per cent. But drill down deeper and the picture becomes more nuanced.

While Tasmanians are more likely than other Australians to feel financially stable and are less likely to have cut down on their spending, a strong and growing majority believe the gap between rich and poor is growing.

And despite the global financial crisis receding in the rear view mirror, the number of people believing the economy is in freefall is growing.

Far more than Australians elsewhere, Tasmanians don't trust governments. Only a small minority in each region report that they trust the current Federal Government and distrust is significantly higher in the state's North-West, something that may spell trouble in the key marginal seat of Bass.

And we are more likely to believe corruption is a major problem, with up to 60 per cent agreeing.

The Clemenger report revealed distinct differences between the state's three regional centres of Hobart, Launceston and Burnie/Devonport.

"The Hobart region showed optimism in terms of the economy and the future of Tasmania, despite a feeling of financial instability. The Hobart demographic is characterised by older households of white-collar workers, managers and professionals who value social interaction, new opportunities and knowledge," the report concluded.

Interestingly, Launceston emerged as a more liberal, health-conscious, environmental hub.

"The Launceston region showed an increase in income and a shift towards a more health-conscious consumer," the report said.

"This involves the consumption of organic and additive-free foods, as well as increasing concern for the environment.

"The Launceston demographic is characterised by the mid-life households of skilled workers who value security, reliability and family.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the state's North-West emerged with its own distinct identity too.

"The Burnie/Devonport region showed increasing disregard for their health, as well as a large degree of distrust and dissatisfaction with the Government," the report said. "[The] demographic is characterised by young-parent households of skilled workers who value security, reliability and family."

READ THE FULL COVERAGE IN TODAY'S SATURDAY MERCURY ...

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Abuser's jail term increased

A MAN involved in one of the most horrific cases of sexual abuse to come before the Tasmanian courts has had his sentence increased on appeal.

The Court of Appeal today added another three years to his jail term, describing the initial sentence as inadequate.

The 35-year-old man pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person under the age of 17 years, eight counts of producing child exploitation material and two counts of possessing child exploitation material and a jury found him guilty of three counts of rape.

The offences were committed between 2008 and 2001 when the victim was aged between 14 and 17. She was his stepdaughter.

He made video and audio recordings of the abuse and threatened the girl he would put the images on the internet if she reported him.

Justice David Porter sentenced the man to seven years in jail with a minimum term of four.

But in his decision on the Crown appeal, Chief Justice Ewan Crawford said the sentence was too lenient.

"Rapes on 21 different occasions alone demanded a much more severe sentence," he said.

"Their nature and circumstances cried out for a much longer term of imprisonment by way of general and personal deterrence, retribution and denunciation.

"The gross breach of trust by the respondent and the harm he caused the complainant also demanded a much more severe sentence."

He quashed the original sentence and ordered the man serve 12 years in prison, with a minimum non-parole period of seven years.

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Help at hand for injured boys

A BROAD cross-section of the Tasmanian community has banded together to set up a trust to help two little boys who were severely burnt in a car explosion in Burnie earlier this month.

Family friends, groups of mothers, service clubs and churches have joined forces to form the Fletcher and Spencer Support Committee to co-ordinate fundraising activities and other aid for the eight- and five-year-olds.

Police are still waiting to speak to the boys' father.

He is expected to be charged with attempted murder.

The 49-year-old man and his sons received burns to more than 25 per cent of their bodies in the car fire which happened in the backyard of their Shorewell home a fortnight ago.

The boys remain in a critical but stable condition in intensive care in the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Their father is being treated in the ICU of the Royal Hobart Hospital and his condition has been downgraded from critical to serious.

However, police expect it will still be weeks before they can interview him about the incident.

The Vice-District-Governor of Lions Tasmania, George Bugeja, will chair the committee, which has already received offers of help from local businesses, individuals, entertainers and celebrity chefs.

Tins will be placed on the counters of some businesses to collect money for the appeal and donations can also be made at the ANZ bank.

The Fletcher and Spencer Trust has been set up to administer the donations received to ensure all money will be spent in the best interests of the boys.

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Man charged over murders

A MAN has appeared in a Hobart court charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of a couple at Mountain River, south of Hobart.

Nicolau Francisco Soares, 27, of no fixed address, appeared before Magistrate Michael Daly shortly before 4pm today.

The West Australian man did not enter a plea or apply for bail.

The magistrate adjourned the case until 9.30am on January 7.

Mr Soares was remanded in custody.

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Two dead on rural property

Dr Del Weston was found dead. Inset: Officers at the scene of the alleged double murder in Bennetts Rd, Mountain River, this morning.

THE nation's leading health economist and his academic partner are dead after being murdered at their idyllic Mountain River property, south-west of Hobart.Professor Gavin Mooney, 69, and Dr Del Weston , 62, were  found dead early yesterday with severe blunt -force trauma to the head in the lounge room of their secluded Bennetts Rd home after their alleged killer rang triple 0.

The 27-year-old man charged with the double murder is Dr Weston's son by a previous relationship.

Nicolau Francisco Soares did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court this afternoon and was remanded in custody.

All three family members are previously from Western Australia with Prof Mooney and Dr Weston moving to Tasmania to enjoy semi-retirement in September last year.

It is the second double murder in the state's south in four days and the third this year after a Hamilton couple was shot dead on Sunday and a man and woman were stabbed to death in Launceston in August.

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Accessory's sentence stands

A MAN who helped a killer hide the body of a murder victim has lost an appeal against the severity of his jail term.

Sean Timothy Hudson, 37, of Ravenswood, was convicted in May of assault and being an accessory after the fact in the murder of 43-year-old father-of-six Scott Rock in Launceston on March 29 last year.

Neville Lindsay Whiting, 32, stomped and jumped on Mr Rock's head and left him to die before dumping his body near a bush track and setting it on fire.

Whiting was sentenced to 20 years' jail.

Hudson punched Mr Rock to the ground. After the fatal attack, Hudson helped load the victim into a car that he later cleaned when the body had been dumped.

Defence lawyer Adrian Hall told the Court of Criminal Appeal in Hobart that Hudson's 7 1/2-year jail sentence was excessive.

He said Hudson's crime was limited and did not aid the killer ultimately to escape detection.

But Justices Alan Blow, David Porter and Helen Wood disagreed, handing down their decision today.

They said Hudson had been imprisoned before and had breached the conditions of suspended sentences and probation, warranting an extended non-parole period.

They said the sentence could not be described as manifestly excessive.

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Trial over teen's road death

A NEW Norfolk man will face trial next year over the road death of a schoolgirl in the Derwent Valley last February.

Bradley John Chaplin, 27, has pleaded not guilty to negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, speeding, and driving with an illegal drug in his system.

The charges were laid after the death of Glenora High School student Ashley Edmonds on February 29.

The 13-year-old was killed when she was hit by a utility after getting off a school bus on Gordon River Rd at Karanja.

The Hobart Magistrates Court today heard the case would take up to five days and involve a number of young witnesses.

Defence lawyer Chris Gunson said he was discussing with the prosecution ways to take evidence from those witnesses without causing additional trauma.

He said he had also sought a reconstruction of the crash from an accident expert and would be calling into question evidence of his client's reading for tetrahydrocannabinol -- the active ingredient in cannabis.

Magistrate Olivia McTaggart said she would conduct a visit to the scene of the crash as requested by the defence before a further mention of the case on February 26.

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Students receive finals marks

MORE than 3000 students have achieved their Tasmanian Certificate of Education this year.

Among them are about 100 students whose mark of 98.45 or more put them in the top 1.5 per cent of their age group in Australia.

They were among 12,605 students given results this week by the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority, which runs exams and assessment for years 11 and 12 and vocational subjects.

The 3085 who achieved a TCE was up from 2715 last year.

"There have also been more Qualifications Certificates issued to Year 12 students, up from 4740 in 2011 to 4973 in 2012," Education Minister Nick McKim said.

And 2290 students received an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) this year, making them eligible to apply for a place at university, up from 2287 last year.

"The positive trend continued with 1676 Year 10 students also receiving a result in one or more TQA accredited courses -- up from 1459 last year.

"I am sure that many students are now relieved and can start making decisions on their future.

"The good results are a testament to their hard work and the dedication of their teachers."

Students receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 98.45 or above:
(in alphabetical order - only students who chose to release their names to the media).

ABETZ, JEREMY, Calvin Christian School
ALLENDER, MIRANDA, St Michael's Collegiate
ANDREWARTHA, KATE, Hobart College
BADCOCK, CHLOE, The Don College
BAKES, EMMA, Leighland Christian School
BARNETT, NINA, Launceston Church Grammar
BASSETT, ALICE, Launceston Church Grammar
BEASLEY, HERMIONE, The Friend's School
BLACKWOOD, ISOBEL, Scotch Oakburn College
BLEATHMAN, FREYA, St Michael's Collegiate
BOHMER, MATTHEW, The Friend's School
BOWEN, SCARLETT, The Friend's School
BROWN, DANIELLE, Elizabeth College
BURGESS, NICOLA, Guilford Young College
BUTLER, PATRICK, The Friend's School
CALLAWAY, LIAM, Rosny College
CHUNG, OLIVIA, The Friend's School
CONNELLEY, NICHOLAS, Launceston Church Grammar
CONNOLLY, GEORGE, Guilford Young College
CREWS, ANNA, Scotch Oakburn College
CROFTS, SAMUEL, Hobart College
DAMBACHER, BROOK, Hobart College
DAVIE, CAITLIN, The Friend's School
DAVIS, KATHERINE, The Friend's School
DAVY, KATELYN, Elizabeth College
DELPORT, DOMINIC, Scotch Oakburn College
DODDS, BENJAMIN, St Brendan Shaw College
DUB, NIKITA, Hobart College
EADIE, LAUREN, Launceston Church Grammar
ETHERINGTON, CHRISTOPHER, Hobart College
FEI, HAOXIANG, Launceston Christian School
FIELD, RAYMOND, Newstead College
FOSTER, ALICE, Rosny College
FOSTER, SAMANTHA, Rosny College
FU, CHAU WA, Rosny College
GRAY, RYAN, Hobart College
GUNN, JAMES, The Friend's School
GUPTA, MEHR, The Friend's School
HAMILTON, SAM, Marist Regional College
HENNESSY, ROBERT, Rosny College
HENRY, CLARE, Elizabeth College
HOLLOWAY, DONALD, The Hutchins School
HUNN, NICHOLAS, The Friend's School
ILLINGWORTH, JOSHUA, St Patricks College
JEANNERET, RUTHIE, St Michael's Collegiate
JOHNSTON, SAMUEL, The Hutchins School
JOHNSTON, THOMAS, The Hutchins School
KEENOO, AKSHAN, Launceston College
KIM, JUE WAN, Newstead College
KUNASEGARAN, KARTIK, Launceston Church Grammar
LADLOW, OLIVER, The Friend's School
LANGE, JACQUELINE, Rosny College
LI, SHARNNA, The Friend's School
LORD, WILLIAM, The Hutchins School
LUCAS, AMY, Calvin Christian School
MACKAY, DUNCAN, The Friend's School
MACKEY, LUCY, The Don College
MAHER, WILLIAM, Elizabeth College
MANSFIELD, GABRIELLE, The Don College
MANTHEY, MICHAEL, Hobart College
MARSHALL, LACHLAN, Elizabeth College
MARSHALL, MADELINE, Marist Regional College
MCCULLOUCH, AISLING, The Don College
MCGUINESS, PETER, Hobart College
MCMENIMAN, JOHN, The Hutchins School
MCNAMARA, THOMAS Launceston Church Grammar
MCPHAIL, TESS, St Marys College
MCVILLY, NICHOLAS, The Hutchins School
MILNER, JAMES, The Friend's School
MOLLROSS, IMOGEN, St Michael's Collegiate
MORRIS-BAGULEY, HARRIET, The Friend's School
MURPHY, ELIZA JO, Elizabeth College
NANKERVIS, BRODIE, Launceston College
NGUYEN, HA, Newstead College
NOLAN, JESSE, The Friend's School
NOTHROP, REBECCA, Launceston College
O'DONOVAN, LIAM, Hobart College
OTLOWSKI, MONICA, St Michael's Collegiate
PALMER, SAMUEL, Guilford Young College
PARROTT, KATHERINE, Hobart College
POLGLASE, LOUISA, St Michael's Collegiate
REMASH, DEVIKA, Elizabeth College
ROBERTS THOMSON, IAIN, Leighland Christian School
ROPER, DARIEL, The Friend's School
RYAN, GEORGIA, Guilford Young College
SCHADE, NICHOLAS, Rosny College
SCOTT, EMILY, St Michael's Collegiate
SMITH, ROBERT, Leighland Christian School
STENNARD, ELSPETH, Guilford Young College
STRINGER, FELICITY, Hobart College
SUDHAKARAN, AISHWARYA, Scotch Oakburn College
SUMMERS, ELEANOR, St Marys College
TENNI, ELLA, Hobart College
THALAIVASAL, PAUL, Rosny College
VAN DONGEN, ALISON, The Friend's School
WAGLAND, ALEXANDER, Hellyer College
WALDHAUSER, GEORGIA, Marist Regional College
WESTBURY, DANIEL, The Hutchins School
WOOD, OLIVER, The Friend's School
YANG, JEREMY, The Hutchins School

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Worker hurt in Bicheno blast

A MAN in his 60s has been badly injured in an industrial accident near Bicheno, Tasmania Police say.

Officers were sent to the scene on the state's East Coast this afternoon after reports of an explosion.

The incident occurred about 2pm in a quarry on a farming property about 5km south of Bicheno, police said in a statement.

The injured worker, who is in a critical condition, has been flown to the Launceston General Hospital by the Westpac Police Rescue helicopter.

No one else was injured in the incident, with police forensics officers and a mines inspector set to examine the scene this afternoon.

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Police suspect parental dispute

Police officers are continuing to search a home at Hamilton after a double murder yesterday. Picture: KIM EISZELE

POLICE believe a 59-year-old man suspected of a double murder at Hamilton was motivated by a dispute over his one-year-old child.

The only suspect in the killing remains in a critical condition in a medically-induced coma after undergoing surgery this morning at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

The two victims -- the 31-year-old mother of his child and her 34-year-old de facto partner -- were allegedly shot dead as they tried to flee when the alleged shooter entered the woman's Hamilton home about 5am yesterday.

The woman's nine-year-old daughter is understood to have witnessed the incident and called police on a mobile phone.

The suspected gunman was found next to his ute at Lachlan, about 40km from the murder scene.

The one-year-old infant was inside the vehicle.

Police today revealed officers had phoned the man, identified as the suspect by the nine-year-old, and were talking to him on his mobile phone moments before he shot himself in the head an hour after the double murder.

The New Norfolk, Ouse, and Hamilton communities were still in shock, locals said today, after learning of the couple's death yesterday via social and mainstream media.

The dead man's family lives in Ouse, while the woman is believed to be from the New Norfolk area.

Police officers remained at the Hamilton house today, searching the property and vehicles parked in the driveway for clues.

They are also trying to piece together the timeline leading up to the suspected shooter's arrival at the isolated homestead.

Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators on 1800 333 000.

zara.dawtrey@news.com.au

Read the full story in tomorrow's Mercury.

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Body found in Howrah dunes

SES volunteers comb the Howrah site where the body of a man was found by a member of the public earlier today. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THE body of a man believed to be in his 60s has been found in sand dunes at Howrah, on Hobart's Eastern Shore.

Police said the body was found about 10am today in dunes adjacent to Wentworth Park at Salacia Ave.

The man's death is not believed to be suspicious and his identity has not yet been established.

"At this point there is no evidence to lead us to believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death," Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Bessell said in a statement.

"Police are inquiring into the circumstances. A thorough examination of the scene, including a line search, is being undertaken.

"Until we can determine the cause of death … we will continue to examine how the body came to be in the location and attempt to establish how the man died."

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Morning of the king tide

LAPPING: The water was high at the boat sheds at Cornelian Bay yesterday. Picture: KIM EISZELE

YESTERDAY'S high tide might have been a king tide but it wasn't a monster one.

The combined gravitational pull of the moon and the sun guaranteed a higher than normal tide, followed by an extra-low tide.

But for a king tide to transform into the highest possible tide, extra forces must come into play.

They include storms that can push the sea harder against a coastline, low atmospheric pressures that add extra upward pull and large waves.

Oceanographer John Hunter said yesterday's king tide stopped about a metre below Sandy Bay's Long Beach sea wall and a one in 100 year monster tide could reach 70cm higher, with waves splashing easily over the wall.

Cars parked near the regatta grounds would have got an expensive wash and areas of Sandy Bay and Battery Point might have resembled Venice.

Dr Hunter was an author of a report, used by the State Govern- ment for its sea level rise planning response, that found as many as 620 homes could be affected by the next monster tide, and as many as 980 houses could be permanently inundated by 2100.

Sea levels had risen by 17cm in the past 100 years and were fore- cast to rise as much as 50cm by the end of the century.

bruce.mounster@news.com.au

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Clean, green the way to Asia

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has urged Tasmania to use its clean, green image to take advantage of the Asian century.

Talking to the Mercury for the last time before the Prime Minister takes a break for Christmas, Ms Gillard urged Tasmania to play to its strengths.

"The things that you prize about yourself are the things that will drive you forward," Ms Gillard said.

"You live in a beautiful place with a fantastic lifestyle, with a real sense of community."

Ms Gillard said Tasmania was in a prime position to take advantage of the Asian century.

"I think Tasmania can be a region of prosperity in the years to come," she said.

"I have laid out, for the nation, our plan for this Asian century of growth and change where we have talked about what this huge middle class the biggest middle class in the world living in Asia will want.

"When you go through the list much of it is what Tasmania produces and has available for sale.

"People in Asia with middle-class income are going to want clean green food, they are going to want great quality wine, they are going to want great tourism experiences not the package holidays but the unique tourism experiences.

"Tasmania is in a position to provide all of those things."

Ms Gillard said Tasmania's island state did create challenges with issues like freight logistics and health care.

"Being an island has come with disadvantages about distances," Ms Gillard said.

"[But] those disadvantages about distances are being closed all the time by the National Broadband Network and new technology. I think Tasmania can look to the power of the National Broadband Network, which is being rolled out in Tasmania first, to connect to the world and customise products.

"Customers can deal with people in real time right around the world.

"There is no reason why people can't be running a small to medium business enterprise in Tasmania and connecting to the world and selling their products and services."

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My year in a tree

TREE-MENDOUS EFFORT: Miranda's mum, Glenys Gibson, visits her daughter, who has spent a year in the tree protesting about logging in the state's high conservation value forests. Picture: Alan Lesheim

WHEN Miranda Gibson started her tree-top protest in Tasmania's Styx Valley she never thought she'd still be there a year later.

But the former teacher says she'd happily do it again and has no idea when she'll come down.

Today marks one year since the start of Ms Gibson's Observer Tree protest, to stop logging in the state's high conservation value forests.

She lives on a small platform 60m up, suspended atop a 400-year-old eucalypt tree.

Her campaign has generated worldwide attention.

She has an online blog, Facebook page and has appeared on national news programs, international current affairs shows and in newspapers around the world.

The Observer Tree has more than 7200 followers on Facebook and thanks to solar-powered technology in the tree, Ms Gibson has been able to broadcast her message into classrooms, boardrooms and loungerooms across the globe.

She's spoken at environmental conferences and with school groups, spreading her message about conservation.

She celebrated her 31st birthday in the tree and has smashed the record for the longest Australian tree-sit, which was previously 212 days.

"To be honest, it was hard to know when I first came up here what was going to happen," Ms Gibson said.

"I don't think I would have expected to be up here for a whole year; I really hoped there would be that protection in place before now.

"But if I had to go back, knowing it was going to be a year, I would definitely do it again."

Ms Gibson said coming to terms with her isolation and solitude have been the biggest challenges, as well as coping with Tasmania's harsh winter weather.

She said one of the hardest things was the uncertainty about how long she would be in the tree.

"But even now [the IGA has been signed] it doesn't provide any certainty of when forest protections will be in place," she said.

"I have to take each day as it comes and try not to think too much about the future because I don't know how long I'll be up here for."

As Ms Gibson prepares to celebrate a second Christmas in the tree, she reflects on missed events and family milestones.

"A friend of mine fell pregnant and has had a baby since I was in the tree and I didn't get to be part of that," she said.

"But I have a lot of support from my friends and family, and the sacrifice is definitely worth it.

"There's a lot of people out there that didn't necessarily know what's going on in Tasmania's forests and didn't necessarily know the forests were still under threat. I get a lot of comments and emails from people thanking me for letting them know what's happening."

Ms Gibson urged the Federal Government to push through World Heritage listing for the Styx Valley, the Florentine and Weld forests.

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No regrets

WITH the Australian Test team training in the background, Ricky Ponting is a familiar figure at Bellerive.

But instead of being dressed in Test attire, Ponting is in the purple and black of the Hobart Hurricanes as international cricket moves on without Australia's all-time leading Test and one-day run-scorer.

Ponting, arguably Tasmania's greatest sportsman, says it was only this backdrop that made him realise his international career was officially over.

But while reality has set in, regrets haven't.

"I actually felt yesterday and today it was the days that hit me the most," says Ponting, 38 next week.

"I'm here training with the Hurricanes and the [Test] boys are out the back in the nets ... you sit back and watch the Australian cricket team train at Bellerive and I'm not a part of it. [But] I'm comfortable with it, the decision was made for all the right reasons."

It is a new era for Australian cricket as the Test team enters the post-Ponting epoch on his home ground at Blundstone Arena.

Labelled the country's best batsman since Don Bradman, the former teenage prodigy from the working-class Launceston suburb of Mowbray was grouped for a generation alongside Indian cricketing deity Sachin Tendulkar, West Indian stylist Brian Lara and South African run-machine Jacques Kallis as the world's best batsman.

While cold hard statistics made them hard to separate, a reflective, relaxed Ponting says the "big four" enjoyed varying personal relationships.

A batting purist, he rates Tendulkar as the best technician, but the flamboyant West Indian as the most destructive and the one more often able to win games off his own blade.

"I've never really got that close to Sachin, that's sort of the subcontinental way," he says.

"They don't really socialise much after games. They are out of the changerooms half an hour after the game is over, which is a bit different to what we do down here, especially if we have a win.

"Lara and I always got on well.

"From the first time I toured there in '95 we struck up a bit of a relationship then, even though I wasn't playing, and that's remained right throughout the years.

"We've always exchanged bats at the end of series with hand-written messages on them.

"I would say out of the three guys, Lara is the one I'm closest to."

ePonting's career is decorated with more jewels than a royal crown - World Cup victories, an Ashes whitewash, Allan Border Medals, most Test wins by a captain, to list a few - but there were also dark days.

He knows three Ashes defeats will forever be linked to his captaincy, particularly the 2005 series when an Australian team containing such greats as himself, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Matthew Hayden lost the little urn for the first time since 1989 through a combination of complacency and some misfortune.

"Nothing worked at all. One little mistake generally meant we lost the game even an umpiring decision here or there, if it had gone our way, could have been the difference," Ponting says.

"As a captain, that's as disappointed as I've felt. At the end of the day my record shows I lost three Ashes series as captain, but that is the one I was most disappointed about."

Perhaps the biggest turning point in his career was also its lowest ebb. In 1999, he copped a black eye from a Bourbon and Beefsteak bouncer in Kings Cross - and a harsh lesson that no matter how talented, without dedication and professionalism, nothing was guaranteed.

"I was suspended for three games as a result of that," he says.

"When you have the only thing you've ever wanted to do in your life taken away from you, of course it is a wake-up call.

"Back then I was just doing what everyone expected that you did.

"I certainly wasn't out by myself that night, there were other blokes out with me.

"That's a lesson learnt. You wake up the next day and think 'how did I let that happen and how am I going to make myself better tomorrow?'

"That's a pretty simple thing I've lived my life by since the early days at international level."

He adds with a laugh: "I haven't been back there; I don't think I've ever been in Kings Cross again either, so I've stayed as far away as possible."

Married to Rianna with daughters Emmy (4) and Matisse (1), Ponting says he can now concentrate on being a better husband and father - duties he has struggled with because of the demands of international cricket.

"Knowing I've got such a great life away from cricket made that decision a little bit easier as well."

Another season with the Tigers and the Hurricanes is a possibility, depending on his hunger now the lure of Australian representation has gone, saying he would move home tomorrow from his Sydney base if Rianna would agree.

He will continue to work with his charity, the Ponting Foundation, maybe dabble in the media - "I've already told the boys to look out for that. I think I would enjoy telling people the way I saw the game" - and is awaiting a call from his beloved North Melbourne to talk about a possible board position.

He will endure more than enjoy a lap of honour today. Public adulation is not his cup of tea, but he is keen one last time to thank his local fans who supported him throughout his international career.

"Although I've lived out of the state now for just over 10 years, Tasmania is always my home and I've always said that," Ponting says.

"At the end of the day that's where I learnt the game and I still feel I owe a lot back to the Mowbray Cricket Club and Tasmanian cricket for the opportunities I was given at a young age.

"Do I feel like an ambassador? Yes, I do, and it is important for all people in the spotlight, like I've been, to take on those roles and want to be promoting your state or your club or your junior cricket or whatever in your area. I've always wanted to be a role model for people to look up to in Tasmania."

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Deal hits road block

STANDSTILL: The forest industry is waiting on the outcome of peace talks.

TASMANIA'S powerful Upper House is deadlocked on whether to support the state's historic $378 million forestry peace deal.

After a marathon 13 1/2-hour debate yesterday, MLCs were divided 7-7 as they called it a night about 11pm.

As it stood, seven members had expressed their desire to vote for the forest agreement that the State Government has promised will create a more sustainable future for Tasmania's ailing forest industry.

However, members opposed to the deal are today expected to push for a select committee to look into the legislation, delaying the deal for months and almost certainly scuttling the forest peace agreement.

If the push for a select committee is unsuccessful, the Upper House is expected to start tabling amendments this morning to cover concerns about sovereign risk, future protests and the exact location of proposed reserves.

Nelson MLC Jim Wilkinson or Huon MLC Paul Harriss are expected to call for the Bill to be overlooked by a select committee.

A select committee would not be expected to start until February, sparking fears forest protests will ramp up over the summer and timber company Ta Ann could leave the state.

Federal minister Tony Burke who announced an additional $102 million in federal and state funding for the agreement on Tuesday warned the Upper House members were taking a huge gamble if they were to push for a select committee.

"It's an extraordinary gamble to take with Tasmanian jobs," he said.

"Effectively it's daring a number of businesses to continue to lose millions of dollars or make commercial decisions which would ricochet around the entire industry. From everything I have heard, it's hard to see what the difference is between a delay to February and an outright rejection."

During a fiery debate, Upper House members were split between those who were scathing of the legislation, those who wanted to give peace a chance and those resting somewhere in the middle.

Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall accused Mr Burke and Premier Lara Giddings of scaremongering in briefings on Tuesday afternoon.

He said: "We don't respond to blackmail nor a gun to our head."

His call followed comments by Mr Burke, who said the Upper House had previously requested details of additional funds be presented before members started debating the legislation.

Mr Hall was joined by Nelson MLC Jim Wilkinson, Apsley MLC Tania Rattray, Pembroke MLC Vanessa Goodwin, Windermere MLC Ivan Dean, Huon MLC Paul Harriss and Elwick MLC Adriana Taylor.

All indicated they'd vote against the legislation.

However, Hobart MLC Rob Valentine was the first yesterday to pledge support for the Bill arguing there was no alternative.

Others to pledge their initial support were Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage, Derwent MLC Craig Farrell, Rosevears MLC Kerry Finch, Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest, Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney and Rumney MLC Tony Mulder.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Three generations of abuse

AN AGED pensioner has been jailed for abusing three generations of young girls from his own family over a 45-year period.

The 79-year-old southern Tasmanian man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in the Supreme Court in Hobart today.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault, four counts of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person, one count of attempted rape and two counts of aggravated sexual assault.

Crown Prosecutor Linda Mason told the court the man had abused his sister, daughters, granddaughters and a niece.

At the time of his crimes, they were all aged under 13.

The man abused his sister in the mid-1950. He went on to abuse his daughters on an almost weekly basis in the mid-1960s.

He had sexual intercourse with one of his daughters, aged 11 or 12, on three occasions while he pretended to be tucking her into bed.

The man abused another daughter aged between 10 and 13 in the early 1970s, a niece aged seven or eight, and four granddaughters aged six and seven between 1986 and 1997.

Ms Mason said the man has been confronted about the abuse some years ago and had admitted touching his daughters.

His wife was also aware of his offending around the time but the secret had been kept within the family because he had agreed to get help, she said.

After several of his victims gave statements last year, the man was interviewed by police and admitted the bulk of his offending.

The court heard the man had admitted to investigating officers he still found young girls attractive.

His lawyer Amber Mignot said he accepted he was likely to spend much of the remainder of his life in custody.

"The defendant's conduct has wreaked havoc on his family and caused incredible harm," Justice Peter Evans said.

Justice Evans jailed the man for nine years, with a non-parole period of four-and-a-half years.

The man will be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years upon his release.

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Last-ditch $102m for forest deal

TASMANIA'S historic forest peace deal has been thrown an extra $102 million in a last-ditch effort to get the legislation underpinning the deal through the Upper House.

The State Government will go further into deficit by contributing $39.5 million to the deal.

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, right, said the Commonwealth would provide an extra $62.5 million.

The money is in addition to $276 million already set aside for the deal.

 About $140 million of that has been spent, leaving about $240 million of funding in the hands of Tasmania's Upper House after signatories agreed yesterday the extra money was all they needed to honour the forest peace deal.

Further money to compensate timber company Ta Ann for reducing its peeler quota will be determined soon.

Mr Burke joined Deputy Premier Bryan Green for the announcement yesterday.

He flew into Hobart to discuss the funding with members of the Upper House before they began debating the legislation about 7pm.

After about an hour the debate was adjourned until this morning.

At a briefing Mr Burke, Mr Green and Premier Lara Giddings outlined what the additional money would be used for.

Industry restructuring will get $28 million, and a further $25 million will be used in part to encourage innovation in the use of plantation timber.

The remaining money will be used for ongoing management of additional reserves and to support the implementation of the deal.

followed two days of briefings for the MLCs who had heard form all sides of the debate during the day.

Mr Burke said he had been told by MLCs last week they could not start to debate the legislation without knowing what additional money was available to ensure the agreement was viable.

"Today's announcement comes at a critical time when a number of industry players are making significant commercial decisions that will have lasting impacts on the Tasmanian economy," he said, referring to Ta Ann which has vowed to leave the state if the deal does not pass the Upper House.

"The Australian Government stands for Tasmanian jobs and a sustainable industry.

"We are pleased to be able to provide the funds required to manage this period of transition and also deliver significant conservation outcomes."

Mr Green said the agreement was critical to securing the long-term future of the forest industry and future jobs.

"We have worked closely with the Commonwealth and the signatories on the funding package to achieve all of the objectives of the agreement," he said.

The State Government's contribution announcement came one day after it was revealed it had fallen a further $44 million into deficit.

Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the money was a sign the Government was hopelessly compromised and captive to the Greens.

"Yesterday the Premier announced $25 million to stimulate the economy. Today she has announced $40 million to shut the economy down," Mr Hodgman said last night.

Mr Burke said the Commonwealth funds would need to come, in part, from other environmental projects across the country.

"Times of transition are never easy but governments either step up and help people or let markets take care of themselves with the risk of serious and permanent adverse consequences."

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Peace deal debate begins

TASMANIA'S Upper House has started debating the legislation underpinning Tasmania's historic forest peace deal.

Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall started debate by referring to the legislation as a "crock".

Mr Hall described additional money offered for the deal by Federal environment minister Tony Burke as bordering on blackmail.

"We don't respond to blackmail nor a gun to our head," he said.

Mr Hall raised concerns about additional reserves and the ability for the legislation to stop market attacks by environmentalists.

Hobart MLC Rob Valentine said he supported the legislation.

"The plan B is not there," he said.

Apsley MLC Tania Rattray said she would not be supporting the legislation.

Ms Rattray described the forest industry as at rock bottom.

"We are talking about keeping it at rock bottom," she said.

"We want to keep the trees but we don't want to keep the people."

Ms Rattray will join Pembroke MLC Vanessa Goodwin and Greg Hall to vote against the legislation.

Debate is expected to continue late into this evening.

For

Rosevears MLC Kerry Finch

Hobart MLC Rob Valentine

Derwent MLC Craig Farrell

Against

Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall

Apsley MLC Tania Rattray

Pembroke MLC Vanessa Goodwin

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Cash for jobs -- at a cost

THE State Government will slide further into debt in a bid to create hundreds of jobs and leverage much needed new investment.

Premier Lara Giddings yesterday announced the Tasmanian Jobs Package she hopes will deliver 3300 jobs and create about $375 million in private investment.

The package will cost the State Government $24.5 million over the next four years and $11.7 million this year, as the state slides a further $44 million into deficit.

As revealed in the Mercury yesterday, Ms Giddings has more than doubled grants for Tasmanians building their first home topping up the existing $7000 first-home buyers' grant with a further $8000 for those who opt to build.

The money will be available for Tasmanians constructing new homes beginning on January 1 and continuing for 18 months.

Ms Giddings said the First Home Builders Boost will help to build 1100 first homes and create 1800 new jobs.

The move was supported by the building industry and the State Opposition yesterday.

Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the grant, that his party has been calling for, was a step in the right direction. "We are quite happy from Opposition to lead the Government when they have run out of ideas," he said.

HIA executive director Stuart Clues said in the past year 3000 jobs and 1000 projects have been lost.

"The State Government's announcement today could be the adrenalin shot in the arm the industry needs to start rebuilding in 2013," he said.

A further 850 jobs are hoped to be created by offering payroll grants for businesses putting on new staff from today up until June 30, 2014 and maintained until June 30, 2015.

The payroll exemption for new jobs would give medium and large businesses the ability to save about $3000 a year on a new worker earning about $50,000 a year.

Acting CEO and the TCCI chief economist Phil Bayley commended the move that has been a proven winner in the past. "The TCCI has also been highlighting the impact of payroll taxes on employment for many years, so today's announcement of relief for new jobs is welcome," he said.

"This is a win for all employers, particularly those that are considering putting on new employees."

Ms Giddings said the relatively modest outlay will make a massive contribution to job creation and private investment. "The package is a key part of my agenda for 2013 which will focus on jobs, people and opportunities," Ms Giddings said yesterday.

"I look forward to seeing more Tasmanians find jobs as a result of the strong action we have taken today."

A further $2.5 million in additional funding for the Tasmanian Government Innovation and Investment Fund will be used to try to leverage $11 million in private investment and create 170 jobs.

The North will get a boost, with $2.8 million investment in projects, including the Seaport boardwalk expansion on the Tamar River in Launceston and the creation of the Hollybank Mountain Bike Park, for the combined creation of 80 new jobs.

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Hampered by high demand

TASMANIAN welfare agencies are having to turn people away as the demand for emergency assistance far outstrips supply.

The Salvation Army yesterday said it feared it would run out of food to distribute to those in need this festive season.

The Salvos said the amount of food donated for its Christmas welfare programs was way down on last year but the number of people asking for a hamper had increased by 20 per cent.

A Hobart woman, who did not want to be named, said she and her adult daughter had sought help from one welfare agency but were told the agency was not taking on any new clients.

Another charity could only give her $20.

"I was gobsmacked. How many people out there are doing it tough if this is the situation?" the woman said.

"Of course I did not want to have to ask for help, but sometimes there is no alternative. $20 does not help much at all."

Salvation Army Captain Craig Wood said the charity was only one third of the way through its hamper listings but had almost run out of food.

"Non-perishable food and groceries are desperately needed to assist over 200 families in southern Tasmania alone. On the North-West Coast, it is a similar story in Burnie," Captain Wood said.

The Salvos have now put out an urgent plea for non-perishable food to make up hampers.

The hampers traditionally contain small boxes of cereal, tinned fruit and vegetables, tea, coffee and sugar, tinned spaghetti, baked beans and soup, biscuits, cordial and long-life juice, pasta and rice and a few Christmas treats like tinned pudding, long-life custards and bon-bons.

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Tony Reidy said all member organisations were reporting a significant increase in demand.

Mr Reidy said a spike in the number of people who were underemployed was driving the bigger need for charity.

"People who are underemployed can't pay their bills, let along come up with disposable income for treats at this time of the year."

Mr Reidy said a lot of the people asking for help were doing so for the first time.

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Wait to question Burnie dad

A fire engine and a police car at the scene of a tragic car fire at Shorewell Park last week.

IT may be weeks before a Burnie man accused of attempting to murder his two young sons can be questioned by police.

The 49-year-old man from Shorewell Park and his two sons, aged five and eight, received burns to 25 per cent of their bodies last Wednesday in a car fire, which police say was deliberately lit.

Police say the condition of both children has stabilised in the past 24 hours but they remain in intensive care in the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Treating medical staff are hopeful the children will continue to improve.

Their father remains in a critical condition in intensive care at the Royal Hobart Hospital and is also receiving treatment for significant burns.

"It is expected to be some time, perhaps weeks, before his condition improves enough to be able to speak to police," Tasmania Police said today in a statement.

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Grunwaldt search resumes

The Bicheno Waste Management Centre where police are searching for a bicycle used by Nancy Grunwaldt.

POLICE have returned to a tip site in Bicheno as the investigation into one of Tasmania's most infamous missing persons cases continues.

Launceston detectives are using heavy machinery to excavate a section of the Bicheno Waste Management Centre – the same area that was investigated in February – as part of the search for German backpacker Nancy Grunwaldt.

Miss Grunwaldt was last seen south of Beamauris on March 12, 1993, near the scene of the horrific stabbing murder of Italian tourist Victoria Cafasso in 1995.

Police are searching for the bicycle Miss Grunwaldt was using at the time she was last seen.

The new search is in response to information given to police earlier this year by a local man who believed he saw a bicycle dumped at the site which matched the description of Miss Grunwaldt's bike.

It's not known why the person did not come forward with the information earlier.

"He has shown us the area where he saw the bike and we are excavating that section to a depth of about 5m across an overall area of five square metres," Detective Inspector Scott Flude said in February.

The February search proved fruitless but police are now delving deeper.

"In the interests of ensuring the information is fully investigated, police have determined to return to the tip to excavate to an even deeper level," Det-Insp Flude said today.

"The tip will be closed to the public for the duration of the two-day excavation.

"We have spoken to Miss Grunwaldt's mother to inform her of the development."

Miss Grunwaldt was last seen riding the bicycle about 4km south of Scamander.

She has not been seen since.

A coronial inquest has resulted in no clear answer to the reason for her disappearance, although police suspect foul play.

If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Seeking warmer waters

TROPICAL fish are venturing as far south as Tasmania in response to ocean warming.

Recent tropical sightings include turtles, a yellow-bellied sea snake, a green moray eel, tiger shark and a mahi-mahi dolphinfish.

The unusual sightings have been documented on the website Redmap, based on reports from divers, anglers and scientists.

Warmer waters are also attracting increasing numbers of big gamefish, such as marlin and yellowtail kingfish, which anglers say is a boon for the sport in Tasmania.

The "out-of-range" fish are being documented by Redmap so scientists can use sightings by recreational anglers and divers to help research into marine species' changing geographical range.

Redmap, the Range Extension Database and Mapping project, will extend from its current state focus when it goes national this week.

Redmap principal investigator Dr Gretta Pecl, from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, said all Australians would be able to report their unusual findings to Redmap after the national launch on Thursday.

Dr Pecl said the migrating tropical fish had been detected in increasing numbers over the past few years, and other popular fishing species from NSW and Victoria were becoming frequent visitors too.

"Some species that only appeared on the mainland, or only appeared in the north of Tasmania, are venturing further south," she said.

She said there were also growing numbers of eastern rock lobsters, including a population of about 35 living off the East Coast.

And snapper, not often sighted in the South until recently, is now so common it has a bag limit.

Dr Pecl said the migration of northern marine species could be for a range of reasons. While climate change was a major driver, other potential causes included changes in ocean currents, habitat availability, pollution and changes in mainland fishing activity.

The migration of new species has been welcomed by recreational anglers, who say the new species have created a boom.

Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) chief executive Mark Nikolai said anglers had noticed a rise in the number of popular sportsfish, including yellowtail kingfish, King George whiting, marlin and snapper.

He said these four species were extremely popular and would potentially increase fishing tourism to the state.

"It's all good news for Tasmania, as they expect more of these species to call Tasmania home," Mr Nikolai said.

He said the migrating sportsfish species were of little threat to local marine life, because the baitfish they ate moved down with them.

But Dr Pecl warned the warming oceans did attract some damaging species, such as long-spined sea urchins which were destroying habitats essential for rock lobsters and abalone.

Mr Nikolai said warmer waters had been detected by the CSIRO this year, as a result of the extension of the East Australian Current.

Data shows sea temperatures off the East Coast are warming at three times global average.

Redmap invites people to take photos of uncommon marine species and post them on www.redmap.org.au

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Ideas plan to lift Tassie

WHISKY and food trails, attracting more international students and bringing old industrial sites back to life are some of the ideas contained in three regional economic plans for Tasmania.

The regional plans were released last month, following 38 community consultations held around the state in March and April involving almost 700 people.

They followed the release of a statewide economic development plan in August last year and the establishment soon after of three regional reference groups.

The plans include initiatives already announced and suggestions about new projects to boost each region.

Economic Development Minister David O'Byrne said the economic plans were 10-year strategies focussing on diversifying regional economies and identifying potential growth industries.

He said: "In developing each regional plan, we've talked directly to Tasmanians living, working, studying and investing in each region. We know regional communities are under pressure. This plan is an economic strategy run by communities, for communities."

Mr O'Byrne said key drivers of Tasmania's southern economy included aquaculture, viticulture, agriculture and Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.

The North's key industries were advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture including poppies, dairy, fruit, meat, vegetables and wine, forestry and related products, minerals and mining.

In the North-West, key industries were also advanced manufacturing and food production, as well as floriculture, aquaculture, dairy and mining.

Tourism was identified as an area of opportunity in all three regions. Go to: development. tas.gov.au to view the plans in full.

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Great balls of fire

HOT ACT: Self-declared Australia's "King of Circus" Roy Maloy smashes the world fire-breathing record yesterday. Picture: LEIGH WINBURN

MORE than 500 fireballs were hurled into the air by Australian circus king Roy Maloy as he attempted his fifth world record yesterday.

In front of an awestruck audience at the Brighton Christmas Parade, he breathed 501 fireballs within 28 minutes, beating the previous record of 100 fireballs in an hour in a performance that he describes as "extreme circus".

"There's a lot of danger involved," he said.

"I've been burned a few times.

"I lost all the skin off the back of my hand once and I've lost my fringe as well."

Based in Melbourne, Maloy, whose shows also include knife-throwing and sword-swallowing, will attempt to walk a kilometre on stilts in under 9.35 minutes at the Stanley show today.

elizabeth.lord@news.com.au

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