Chance to quiz candidates

RESIDENTS of the federal seat of Denison will get a chance to grill the main candidates for the hotly contested seat at a forum organised by a national organisation devoted to increasing political engagement.

OurSay and the University of Melbourne are running the Citizens' Agenda forum at the University of Tasmania on Tuesday night.

The event will be moderated by the Mercury's editor, Andrew Holman.

The evening is expected to be attended by incumbent independent Andrew Wilkie, Labor candidate Jane Austin, Australian Greens Anna Reynolds and Liberal Tanya Denison.

A swing of 1.2 per cent is needed to unseat Mr Wilkie, who broke Labor's hold on the seat when he was elected at the federal election in 2010.

But recent polling shows he has a good chance of retaining the seat.

People are being asked to nominate questions for candidates online and vote on what the candidates should be asked.

The forum for the Hobart-based seat is one of 10 being run around the country in the approach to the federal election on September 7.

OurSay is an independent organisation launched in 2010 with the ambition of connecting ordinary citizens with people in charge.

See and vote on the questions: oursay.org/citizens-agenda

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The promise of good, clean fun

SLIP, SLOP, SPLAT: Nick Gill gets down and dirty. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

MUD, glorious mud.

That's what Nugent farmer Lindsay White is promising by the tractor-load at the inaugural Raw Challenge event at his Redbanks property on November 2, and he wants everyone to join in the fun.

Competitors will face down more than 30 obstacles over the sodden 8km course, including giant A-frames, a 25m waterslide, floating-log challenge and rope hurdles, on a day of music and food that Mr White said would be one big party.

"It's going to be awesome," he said.

Mr White said he expected more than 3000 entries for the November event (there is another planned for Saturday, February 22, at the same location) and at least as many spectators.

Local vineyards and food vendors will be catering and two planes will offer joy flights over Maria Island.

"There'll be camping here overnight and we're looking at putting on some live music too."

More information at www.rawchallenge.com.au

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New push to ban live exports

A PROTEST rally to highlight the plight of animals being exported for slaughter will be held on Parliament Lawns in Hobart tomorrow.

While no live export sheep or cattle shipments have left Tasmania for the Middle East since 2006, animals are shipped to the mainland where they are either processed or loaded onto other vessels heading overseas.

Rally organiser Suzanne Cass, from Stop Tasmanian Animal Cruelty, said the rally would start at 1pm.

"The aim is to make sure people are aware of the positions of the political candidates and parties on the systemically cruel live export trade," Ms Cass said.

She said a recent poll found the issue of live exports was a vote changer for 86 per cent of the people who responded.

"People have seen the horrific torture of animals sent to these foreign hell holes just to be slaughtered and 86 per cent had said enough is enough.

"We are deeply ashamed of Australia's part in this terrible animal abuse."

Speakers at the rally will include philanthropist and animal defender Philip Wollen OAM, Independent MHR for Denison Andrew Wilkie, former live export veterinarian Peter Kerkenezov, and Greens Senate candidate Helen Burnet.

The Tasmanian rally will be followed by another in Adelaide on August 31.

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Local firm wins uni housing bid

A HOBART architectural firm has been appointed to design a new $65 million student housing project on an old carpark in Melville St.

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Peter Rathjen today announced Terrior Architects had been chosen as the principal consultants out of a field of 24 local and national firms.

"Terroir's appointment to the student accommodation project is yet another boost for the Tasmanian jobs market and its creative industries. They will oversee the work of numerous local engineers and other design consultants," Prof Rathjen said in a statement.

"This is the second announcement in a week by the University of Tasmania of a principal consultant for a major infrastructure project in Hobart, and the second to feature a Tasmanian company."

UTAS last week announced Liminal Architecture had won the tender to design the $75 million Academy of Creative Industries and Performing Arts on a carpark next door to the Theatre Royal in Campbell St.

Expected to breathe new life into Hobart's CBD, the Melville St development will include 430 self-contained apartments. A retail hub is also planned on the site's Elizabeth St frontage.

The student accommodation, funded through the National Rental Affordability Scheme, is due to be completed in early 2016.

Terroir will be supported by the Melbourne-based company Fender Katsalides Architects, whose credits include MONA.

Read more in tomorrow's Mercury ...

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Arson spree hits Gagebrook

ARSONISTS are believed to be responsible for three separate house fires in Gagebrook overnight.

The Tasmania Fire Service was called to the first fire, at Briar Crescent, about 12.45am today.

The building sustained major damage as a result of the blaze.

The occupants of the property were not home at the time, but two dogs trapped inside died.

Minutes later, a second fire was reported at Tottenham Rd, Gagebrook.

The unoccupied house has previously been subjected to arson attacks.

While fire investigators were conducting inquiries at the fire scenes a third blaze was discovered in Deak St, Gagebrook. The property sustained only minor damage.

Anyone with information in relation to the fires is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bridgewater Police Station on 6268 4100.

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State first for Lubiana Wines

Steve and Monique Lubiana in their vineyard and winery. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

IT has been 12 years in the making, but small family-owned Stefano Lubiana Wines vineyard at Granton is now the state's first certified biodynamic producer.

Derwent Valley couple Steve and Monique Lubiana today launched the property's biodynamic food and wine interpretation centre.

"Being biodynamic has been a dream of ours, and now we can share our story for others who choose to follow the philosophy and we have the resources here for them to do that," Mrs Lubiana said.

The centre's specially designed interpretation displays, media resources and learning activities have been established to complement a tasting and dining facility to be completed later this year.

After arriving in 1990, the couple developed their Granton vineyard, near Hobart, to create handcrafted Tasmanian wines.

Biodynamics philosophy, based on ancient farming practices, allows the pursuit of connectivity between the elements, aiming for better soils by adopting a holistic, regenerative management approach. The vineyard is free of herbicide and fertiliser use.

"We have fought against the odds and our wine is now allowed to evolve in the bottle for higher quality."

The property's certification, carried out by Australian Certified Organic, took about three years.

Fifth-generation winemaker Steve Lubiana said Australia lags behind the rest of the world in adopting genuinely sustainable farming and viticultural practices.

"We believe working sustainably with the land can be achieved by anyone who is committed to the environment, either a commercial vineyard or working at home on your own vegetable patch," Mr Lubiana said.

The centre was co-funded with $110,000 from the Federal Government under the T-QUAL grants program.

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Dons' charge sheets released

THE AFL has sensationally today released its summary of charges against Essendon, coach James Hird, senior assistant Mark Thompson, club doctor Bruce Reid and football manager Danny Corcoran.

AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick has also called a special meeting of the 18 club presidents for tomorrow.

League boss Andrew Demetriou will front the media at 2pm today.

The Herald Sun last Friday exclusively revealed details from the charge sheets.

The charge sheets include revelations that:

ESSENDON players were to receive 1500 injections of AOD-9604 and Thymosin and more than 16,500 doses of Colostrum and 8000 doses of Tribulus.

THE program was to push the legal limits.

THE program involved the use of allegedly "beneficial" and "exotic" compounds.

THE program's fitness strategy and use of supplements varied sharply to previous practices at Essendon.

IT involved injecting players with abnormal frequency.

THAT club figures were aware that the implementation of the program was determined without meaningful input from appropriately qualified people.

Which type of Thymosin – banned Beta 4 or permitted Thymosin Alpha is not specified in the charge sheets.

Last night, a former member of the AFL's Anti-Doping Tribunal claims he was told in February that AOD-9604 was safe and not prohibited.

Essendon champion Tim Watson today called on AFL chief Andrew Demetriou to explain why the AFL did not reveal the information earlier.

Read more at news.com.au.

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Police officer stood down

A POLICE officer from the state's south has been suspended on full pay over allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Tasmania Police said the Constable is alleged to have made inappropriate comments to and physical contact with colleagues while on duty.

He is also alleged to have accessed information to which he was not entitled.

Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said police are investigating and there would be no further comment.

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Coroner issues heater warning

THE death of a 78-year-old man in a house fire has prompted a warning from a coroner about the risks of placing flammable material near heat sources.

Walter Charles Bakes, of Burnie, died of smoke inhalation in a house fire in Reid St, Burnie, on February 23, 2011.

Coroner Don Jones found it was highly probable the fire had started in the corner of Mr Bakes' kitchen, within a half metre radius of a portable radiant heater.

The coroner said Mr Bakes' son Grahame said his father often felt cold and would sit in a chair in the kitchen in front of a wood heater or an electric heater.

"Grahame had expressed his concerns to his father as to the risk of the heater being left unattended, or leaving his chair too close to the heater," the coroner said.

"Mr Bakes would express his annoyance saying he did not like his heater turned off, or people interfering with his way of life."

Coroner Jones found Mr Bakes' cause of death was asphyxia due to smoke inhalation as a result of the house fire and that severe atherosclerotic vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pancreatitis, and emphysema were contributing factors.

He recommended people be made more aware of the risks of placing flammable objects near fires or electric heaters.

"It is recommended the public be informed of the dangers of placing furniture, or any combustible material, in close proximity to heaters or fires generally," the coroner said.

"Frequently, material used in furniture, or blankets, or clothing are susceptible to absorbing heat from heat sources, smouldering, and then spontaneously combusting.

"Many older people frequently resort to keeping warm by sitting over, or too close to, fire sources not realising the potentially dangerous situation they are placing themselves in."

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Man accused of NW break-ins

A 33-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with a string of offences after a spate of business burglaries on the North-West Coast.

Police allege the burglaries took place between last Friday and yesterday.

The man, who has been remanded in custody, has been charged with 10 counts of burglary, seven counts of attempted burglary and nine counts of stealing.

Police allege businesses in Devonport, Spreyton and Ulverstone were broken into between August 16 and 19.

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Austin dark on Wilkie 'deal'

THE Liberal Party's support for Denison independent MHR Andrew Wilkie should send shivers down the spine of progressive local voters, says Labor candidate Jane Austin.

Responding to revelations in today's Mercury that the Liberals will preference Mr Wilkie ahead of Labor in September 7 poll, Ms Austin said there was too much at stake for Denison to risk casting a vote for Mr Wilkie or the Coalition

"Labor's Better Schools plan, the continued roll-out of the National Broadband Network and protecting Denison from (Opposition Leader) Tony Abbott's harsh cuts are just some of the critical issues confronting our community."

The ALP candidate, who has been campaigning for the southern Tasmanian seat since July last year, said the Abbott-Wilkie deal meant Denison voters now had a clear choice.

"They can stick with Labor progressive policies or throw them out the door to Mr Abbott and Mr Wilkie," she said

Mr Wilkie, meanwhile, today began distributing his how-to-vote cards, showing he will be running an open ticket.

"My decision to run an open ticket reflects my numerous statements that I would not engage in preference negotiations or do preference deals with any political party," Mr Wilkie said.

"I have also said that I will not enter into an agreement to support any political party after the election.

"I note that the Liberal Party has chosen to place me above Labor and the Greens on their how-to-vote card.

"Obviously I'm asking all Denison electors to give me their number-one vote.

"But I'm also grateful to any political party supporters who choose to give me their second or third preference."

Liberal Party state president Sam McQuestin told the Mercury yesterday his priority was getting the party's candidate, Tanya Denison, elected.

"Our electoral system is compulsory preferential, so we need to give guidance to Liberal voters about the other candidates," Mr McQuestin said.

"As far as the Liberals are concerned, it's Tanya Denison first, daylight second, and then Mr Wilkie as the best of a bad bunch."

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Volcano Land blog, week 3

Andrew is frequently greeted by delighted smiles and hands reaching out to say hello as he paddles around PNG. Picture: ANDREW HUGHES

BETWEEN the dogs, pigs, chickens and children there's never a quiet moment in a New Britain village.

Here at Takis, on the northwestern corner of Papua New Guinea's Gazelle Peninsula, I have just explained what the Volcano Land project is about, and can only imagine how extraordinary and ridiculous it must sound.

The people here, unlike much of modern coastal PNG, are not covered by the mobile phone network, do not have a road to Rabaul and earn -- a very little -- cash exclusively from copra and cocoa.

The rhythm of life is governed by the garden, the fishing grounds, the family and the church. Here it is a Catholic domain.

Raphael, who waded out to greet me on arrival, buried his mother this morning. Two weeks ago it was his brother -- murdered most foully by a bush knife -- for whom they mourned.

Despite this turmoil, Raphael made me welcome because he had the best English, and my grasp of tok pisin is still very poor.

After a wash and a lengthy discussion over nautical charts I've retreated to write the daily report for dispatch by satellite phone.

Village noises swirl about in snatches of probably three or four languages. Some of the commotion is undoubtedly due to the strange fellow with zinc cream on his lip, who says his task is to teach students about distant places.

But the dogs brawling, the mothers yelling instructions to kids, and the happy laughter from young and old alike, I think that's fairly normal.

Expedition Class is a program of the Bookend Trust. This project is supported by the Tasmanian Department of Education, Pennicott Foundation, UTAS SET, Mercury NIE, IMAS, Sea to Summit and friends. Follow Andrew's daily reports at www.expeditionclass.com

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