“Our shameful Tamar River”

As I flew back from an aerial assignment recently across the Tamar River, looking its normal”glorious worst”, I could not help but think what a shameful and disgusting performance our governments and politicians have shown in past years with regard to a genuine attempt to take this ongoing problem to task. Another enquiry, another environmental study, thats what we really need !

To live in a city on a river, is a privilege and something we all should appreciate and not take for granted. Life around a river can be fantastic for walkers, runners, diners, tourists, families and of course, the many cyclists who ride around the bike ways beside the river.

It’s an irony really when we have a lovely board walk, riding trails and a Seaport complex that has been developed by the council and private developers, only to enjoy the view across a stinking ditch when the tide is out.

I am no expert but is this what it will look like when the “tide is in” eventually ? There have been some keen and concerned people on various authorities over the years I know but they lacked the resource and firm ongoing commitment of governments. They needed money….. real money ! to even get close to a remedy to the issues of the river.

I fear that the way the present state government is bungling along with a blind disregard for the North, we have no hope of major funding from there…. So I guess then it falls into the hands of the federal government …..

Our Tamar River is doomed !