Compulsory Voting at Local Government Elections

The Tasmanian Premier advocates that voting at Local Government elections in Tasmania should become compulsory.
Over many years this issue has been discussed regularly at Local Government Association of Tasmania meetings, and has repeatedly been rejected as unnecessary and not warranted.
Furthermore, the devil is in the detail as always. If you own land in Hobart but live in Kentish, should voting in Hobart elections be compulsory? If you rent a house in Kentish should you have to vote here?
Failure to vote incurs a $20 fine. I could imagine that Councils would be very unpopular if they sent out fines for this.
I think we do not need compulsory voting.

What do you think?

A new fire engine for Sheffield

Just before Christmas the Sheffield Fire Brigade took possession of an almost new fire truck. Carrying 3000 litres of water (which it can deliver in under two minutes if required !!) the truck is fast and ultra reliable.

Tas Fire Service District Officer Paul Hill completed the handover on Tuesday 23rd December 2008. He commended the Sheffield voluntary brigade for the great work they do, and commented that the new truck should help them further.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Sheffield Fire Crew for their time and dedication, and wish them all the best for the future year.

Photos show Paul Hill, myself, and Sheffield Brigade Chief Mark Furley, and the Sheffield Fire crew in front of the new truck.

Weindorfer Memorial at Cradle Mountain

On January 1st the Weindorfer Memorial Service Committee held a service to mark the day 100 years ago when Gustav Weindorfer had first visited Cradle Mountain. Weindorfer was to later go on and build Waldheim, a chalet to encourage visitors to the area. He also lobbied government to set aside the whole Cradle area as a National Park, which it now is.

Carol and I were asked to attend the service in period costume. We were transported to the event by Park Ranger Eddie Firth in a beautiful vintage Chevrolet. This vehicle is the same model as belonged to a close friend of Weindorfers, Major Ronald Smith. Major Smith's son Charles was present at the event, and enjoyed seeing the vehicle. Charles Smith has his fathers original Chev in pieces in his shed, awaiting reconstruction.