Shades pulled on awnings

THE fight is over today for some of Hobart's most controversial window furnishings.

The battle to save the red awnings placed on a heritage-listed building has been lost, for four of the coverings at least.

Early today a crane will pull down the ground-level awnings from 26 Murray St, following a long-fought battle by the Heritage Council to axe all of the awnings.

The removal order affects only the round-shaped awnings, which means the remaining 12 flat awnings will stay on the former Savings Bank.

The building's caretaker, Kerry Faulkner, said it was an unfortunate day. "This is ridiculous," he said last night.

Mr Faulkner said the crane had been hired at the expense of the building's owners, and the street would be blocked off while the work was carried out from 7am.

Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Ron Christie, who is a red awnings supporter, said he was "dumbfounded" .

"This is bureaucracy gone crazy," he said. "We have more important issues to deal with in the city than an item like this."

Ald Christie said the awnings gave character and colour to Hobart, and the round ones were his favourites.

He said the round awnings were more in the character of similar awnings popular on heritage buildings in Paris, while the flat ones were more modern.

"I'm really dumbfounded as to why they have a bee in their bonnet over this one," he said.

A majority of Hobart City Council aldermen voted in favour of the red awnings last year but the awnings were rejected retrospectively by the Tasmanian Heritage Council.

Building owners and restorers Warwick and Helen Rule appealed that decision in the Resource Management Planning and Appeal Tribunal.

The tribunal ruled that all but the four round awnings could stay, on the basis the flat ones did not affect the cultural and heritage significance of the building.

The bright-red awnings divided public opinion last year.

Hobart businesses set up window displays supporting the awnings and a rally was organised at Parliament House by the Save the Red Awnings Group.

Mr Rule is overseas and could not be contacted last night.

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Mussel woe triggers recall

THE discovery of toxins in mussels from a Tasmanian seafood company has prompted a worldwide recall of the shellfish.

Spring Bay Seafoods has been forced to close temporarily and has recalled its award-winning blue mussels from its Asian customers.

The mussels, sold in their shells, have also been taken off Tasmanian and interstate shelves.

Primary Industries and Water Minister Bryan Green said he was extremely disappointed about the spread of the toxin, which was the result of a naturally occurring algal bloom.

"This is devastating for Spring Bay Seafoods and its workforce and we will keep the public up to date with information as it comes to hand," Mr Green said.

"Tasmania has an excellent reputation for high-quality, safe shellfish and it is hoped this is a short-term event and will have no lasting impacts. Public health is a priority and the closure is a precautionary measure."

Public health director Roscoe Taylor said the recall was prompted by the discovery of unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish toxins in the mussels, which are farmed near Maria Island.

Authorities have also stopped more than 10 nearby seafood farms from harvesting their shellfish. Dr Taylor said shellfish farms in Little Swanport, Georges Bay, Great Oyster Bay and Ansons Bay had been closed as a precaution.

The outbreak has also prompted extra testing of East Coast scallops. Although there is no ban on eating farmed scallops at this stage, the public has been warned against eating wild scallops.

Dr Taylor said symptoms of poisoning from the shellfish could occur within hours of consumption.

"I strongly stress people should not harvest or eat any wild shellfish from these affected areas as it could result in potentially fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning," Dr Taylor warned.

"No reports have been received of mussel or other shellfish-related illness, but high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins can be fatal in extreme cases and children are more susceptible."

Dr Taylor said poisoning symptoms included tingling in the mouth and extremities, pins and needles, unsteadiness on the feet, weakness of the arms or legs and nausea.

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Sorell poll reminder

SORELL ratepayers have been urged to have their say in the council by-election.

Deputy Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey today encouraged all Sorell electors to take the time to record their votes and post them ASAP.

As of today, 36.91 per cent of postal votes for the Sorell Council by-election have been returned. This compares with 40.18 per cent at the same stage of the ordinary election last year.

"Consider your vote right away so that you don't miss the deadline," Mr Hawkey said in a statement.

"You can post them to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission or hand deliver them to the Sorell Council office, located at 12 Somerville Street,  Sorell, before the close of the poll."

Votes must be received by 10am on Tuesday – Melbourne Cup Day.

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Rock lobster season looming

Tasmania's recreational rock lobster season opens on Saturday, November 3.

AS authorities today heralded the start of recreational rock lobster season this weekend, one man's plans to bag a few delicious "cray" had already come to an abrupt end.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to Pieman Heads, on the West Coast, yesterday to rescue a Wynyard man, 68, who broke his leg while trying to free a stranded 4WD vehicle on a remote track.

He was airlifted to hospital, where he was today in a stable condition.

The man was setting up camp with a group of fishermen to get ready for rock lobster season, which opens on Saturday.

MAST recreational boating manager Peter Hopkins said the first weekend of the season was always a busy one.

He urged anyone planning to venture out on to the water to check their safety gear first.

"Life jackets only save lives when they are worn," Mr Hopkins said.

"You are legally obliged to wear them at all times on boats that are 6m and under, but we recommend that life jackets are worn on larger boats as well."

Tasmania Police will be patrolling waterways around the state, focusing on safety and rock lobster fishery quotas.

Police Marine and Rescue Services Sergeant John Pratt said officers would provide up-to-date advice to fishermen and recreational boaters.

"Everyone loves a day out on the water, but alcohol and boating are a potentially lethal combination," Sergeant Pratt said.

"Just like when driving a car, a boat skipper's blood-alcohol level must not exceed .05.

"Fishers must be aware of bag limits and requirements around licences.

"Ignorance will not be a reasonable excuse for anyone found not adhering to the rules and regulations."

Mr Hopkins also urged boats to keep an eye on the weather.

"If you are in any doubt about the upcoming weather forecast, postpone your day out until you are sure that weather conditions are good."

For a full rundown on licensing information and bag limits, visit the State Government website.

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Tuesday's daily double

TASMANIAN punters can vie for two jackpots next week, when Oz Lotto will offer a record $100 million prize pool on Melbourne Cup Day.

That means long queues can be expected on Tuesday -- not just at betting agencies but also at newsagencies.

The previous highest guaranteed division-one pool offered in Australia was $90 million in June 2009, which grew to $106.5 million because of  "heightened player interest".

The booty was shared between an Adelaide man and a Queensland couple.

But Tuesday's jackpot presents the opportunity for a single player to become the biggest lottery prize winner in Australian history.

The nation's record to date is the $58.7 million won by a Victorian syndicate in 2008, Oz Lotto customers relations manager Lauren Halliday said today.

While the 2012 Melbourne Cup race will finish just after 3pm, gamblers can buy their Oz Lotto tickets up until 7.30pm.

But don't break out the champagne yet -- the chance of winning a division one prize is one in 45,379,620.

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One hurt in Broadmarsh crash

A MOTORIST has been injured in a single-vehicle accident at Broadmarsh, near Brighton.

Police closed Elderslie Rd to all traffic about 4.45pm today to deal with the crash.

The driver of the vehicle was trapped and had sustained leg injuries, police said in a statement.

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Woman dies in Swansea crash

A WOMAN has been killed in a two-vehicle crash on the Tasman Highway near Swansea, on the state's East Coast.

Police said the woman was the driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles, which collided about 8km north of Swansea.

The male driver and female passenger in the other vehicle were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Police were called to the crash about 3pm today, with the northbound lane of the highway temporarily blocked by one of the vehicles.

Two people were reportedly trapped and the Westpac rescue helicopter was sent to the accident scene.

Investigations were continuing late today into the cause of the crash, which brings the state's road toll for 2012 to 26.

Last year's road toll was a record low of 24.

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Daylight robbery alarm

A bracelet stolen in the Rosny burglary. Pictures: TASMANIA POLICE

ANTIQUE jewellery and other valuables have been stolen in a wave of daylight robberies on Hobart's Eastern Shore.

Bellerive police today urged the public to report any suspicious offers of jewellery for sale.

In one crime last Friday, a thief entered a Rosny home when the owner was present, Detective Senior Constable Michael Bobrowski said.

The woman did not realise but later noticed a large amount of her treasured jewellery had been taken.

Among the collection were distinctive heirloom and antique pieces.

"There are rings, bracelets, brooches, treasured family items," " Snr Constable Bobrowski said.

"She was, naturally, distressed.

"There have been a number of similar incidents on the Eastern Shore in the last four to six weeks."

He said goods being targeted by thieves included laptops, PlayStations and jewellery -- anything easily transportable that would fetch money.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bellerive detectives on 6230 2685.

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Burglars hit Banjo's Margate

POLICE believe an overnight burglary at a Margate bakery may be linked to a spate of similar business break-ins in the municipality earlier this month.

Thieves entered Banjo's bakery in Margate via the roof some time between 8pm yesterday and 2.30am today, police said.

They stole a small safe containing a "substantial amount" of cash.

The Kingston CIB is investigating whether the break-in is linked to several other business burglaries in Kingston overnight on October 22-23.

Properties in Hobart and on the Eastern Shore have also been targeted by thieves.

Anyone with information on the Margate burglary is urged to contact Kingston police on 6211 8000 or 131 444.

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Industry toasts lift in flights

IT was lift-off today for a much-anticipated boost in flights to and from Tasmania.

Qantas launched an extra 1700 seats per week to and from Melbourne. They form part of an extra 400,000 seats on flights in and out of the state this financial year.

Tourism industry officials celebrated at an official launch at the IXL Atrium in Hobart.

QantasLink executive manager John Gissing said the extra flights would give travellers more flexibility.

"Launceston and Devonport will also benefit with more seats now available to and from Melbourne though an increased flight schedule and upgrades to the larger Q400 aircraft," Mr Gissing said.

Extra flights added by Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas will come on line in coming weeks, coinciding with the return of Tiger Airways to Tasmania at the start of November.

The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania has estimated the extra flight capacity can deliver up to 200,000 more tourists to the state, worth a potential $312 million to the local economy.

It also gives travellers a greater chance to snare cheap flights in and out of the state during the busy Christmas period.

Premier Lara Giddings said the extra capacity would allow the tourism industry to cash in on interest in the state – particularly after Hobart was last week included in travel bible Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2013.

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Penalty rates cut push

CALLS are growing for a review of penalty rates for hospitality workers, amid fears Tasmania's tourism credentials are being tarnished by a "ghost town" appearance.

Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall will move a motion in the State Parliament next week calling for a review of penalty rates legislation.

Mr Hall said there were widespread concerns in the tourism industry about the cost of keeping doors open on public holidays and Sundays.

His calls follow the Hobart Show Day public holiday on Thursday when the Hobart CBD resembled a ghost town, with many businesses choosing not to open their doors.

"I am not talking about the complete abolition of all penalty rates, but about striking a better balance to allow more businesses to open their doors and employ more people," Mr Hall said.

Hobart City Council alderman and long-time restaurateur Marti Zucco said that the issue needed to be taken up by politicians immediately.

"It seems that our leaders are quick to jump on the Lonely Planet guide bandwagon but they fail to understand the disadvantages facing the hospitality industry and Tasmanian tourism," Ald Zucco said.

"If we are to capitalise on this we must restructure the old five-day mentality when it is in fact a seven-day industry," he said.

"Tourism should not be closed down on public holidays."

Tasmanian Hospitality Association industrial relations manager Ben Walker said that some businesses were losing thousands of dollars to stay open on public holidays.

"We need rates of pay that are sustainable both for workers and for employers," Mr Walker said.

"No one wants to see a return to a harsh wage regime but just something that is balanced."

The hourly pay rate doubles for many hospitality workers who work on public holidays.

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No forest peace in our time

NO UPSIDE: Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and Deputy Premier Bryan Green talk to the media about the imminent failure of the forestry peace deal in Tasmania. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

THE future of what was once one of Tasmania's most thriving industries was in tatters yesterday, after marathon forestry peace talks were finally felled by warring parties.

Even a $120 million assistance package to be used for industry restructuring and economic diversification, that was still sitting on the table, could not induce co-operation between forestry and conservation groups.

The breakdown left a weary and visibly upset federal Environment Minister Tony Burke with the task of telling Tasmanians there would be no end to the decades-long conflict over the forests.

"Signatories could not reach agreement between the conservation reserves and a minimum sawlog volume," Mr Burke said.

Predictions of a dire economic downturn were put into stark perspective by rumours of Malaysian veneer company Ta Ann's potential withdrawal from the state, with the collapse of the peace talks now leaving thousands of forestry jobs and contracts in limbo.

An industry source said Ta Ann, which employs 160 workers at its Smithton and Huon Valley mills, had warned the Government that the mills would close if the talks failed because it was not willing to operate in an environment of controversy and conflict.

Dr Jonathan West, the head of the six-member scientific panel that advised signatories, said the failure of the talks was "a tragic and disastrous outcome for Tasmania".

"This agreement made it possible to protect the forests and industry; both sides could win, now both sides will lose everything because of a stubborn refusal to budge," Dr West said.

The loss of Ta Ann would cost the state millions, with the Malaysian timber giant last year injecting $45 million into the Tasmanian economy.

Mr Burke and Deputy Premier Bryan Green said they were "deeply pessimistic" about any resolution in the near future.

"No amount of goodwill can bridge the gap between the signatories," Mr Burke said. "I looked around the table and I looked at each party and I couldn't see an upside to any of them."

Premier Lara Giddings refused to comment on the collapse of the peace talks, but Mr Green put it in perspective.

"They have represented their constituents the best they possibly can," he said. "We can't see how there could possibly be agreement between them."

After the talks broke down, it didn't take long for the knives to come out.

The collapse of the IGA, established in August last year, was welcomed by pro-industry lobby group Give It Back.

"The Tasmanian Government now needs to legislate, if need be, to allow Tasmanians to work without the threat and danger of radical groups coming into their workplace and disrupting it," Give It Back spokeswoman Dimity Hirst said.

"We now need to rally together and support what is left of our timber industry and mining industry and allow them to rebuild and get Tasmanians working again."

Forestry Industries Association chief Terry Edwards yesterday claimed he was bullied by the state and federal ministers to lower the industry resource quota.

Mr Edwards said that the sticking point was the incompatibility between the claimed forest reserves and industry resource volumes.

"Conservation groups have consistently refused to meet resource guarantees that were given at the outset by both the federal and state governments," Mr Edwards said.

Wilderness Society boss Vica Bayley blamed the collapse solely on FIAT and old-growth sawmillers who refused to stop logging World Heritage forests.

Mr Bayley said that products sourced from old-growth and high conservation-value forests were no longer acceptable in today's market.

He said conservation groups would concentrate their efforts on the domestic markets to convince the timber industry of the need to change.

jennifer.crawley.news.net.au

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