STOP PRESS:  Save Ralphs Bay Inc set up its mobile operation at Salamanca Markets on Saturday 23 July, collecting personal messages for the Premier Paul Lennon.

We spoke to hundreds of concerned Tasmanians over the course of the day.  Their feelings range from disbelief, to anger, cynicism and a strong desire to see some evidence the Lennon Government is not profoundly deaf to community concerns.

There is now less than a month before the ‘modified’ Walker proposal arrives on the Cabinet table.  It is clear from our conversations with people from all walks today, that the Parliamentary Labor Party and Walker Corporation are well out of touch if they believe this proposal has any significant measure of public support.

Here is a sample of the comments received in writing.  We will continue to feed the community’s view to the government in the weeks ahead.  The messages gathered today will be forwarded to the Premier’s office this week, in the hope he will see the light over Ralphs Bay and act ethically on its behalf…..

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Dear Premier

I’d just like to say that we need to protect what’s left of our great marine and wildlife.  This project is doing completely the opposite.  Secondly, Tasmania is a great state, but sadly more development like this are taking place.  It is destroying our fabulous natural state. - Claire, Blackmans Bay

Leave the habitat for the animals and the birds. - Mary, Burnie

Ralphs Bay is a beautiful area as it is, and any development would destroy beautiful and important natural environment. Any development would be ugly and unsympathetic.  Leave the bay alone because it is special and unique.
- Samantha, Sandy Bay

Please stop this beautiful bay from being developed.
- Heather, Geilston Bay.

This development is totally inappropriate for this area.  We must preserve the wetlands that are left.  This development is driven by pure greed for a few developers and interests.  STOP IT!!! - Raymond, North Hobart

Fast-buck developers are not interested in the long-term future for Tasmania. 
I am – and you should be too Mr Premier. - Gregory, Hobart

If this development goes ahead, I and my family will be extremely disappointed with this State Government and will be looking to vote for an alternative next election. - Lia, West Hobart

Please consider the issues beyond making a few dollars.  This area must be saved. - Ian, Geilston Bay.

Leave it the way it is.  It is a beautiful bay … There are other places to build a marina.  I enjoy traveling past Ralphs Bay each month to visit relations. - Leon, Norwood

There is something really lovely about looking out to Mt Wellington and the waters of Ralphs Bay with its feathered friends.  It’s the loveliest part of my day as I drive to and from work.  Please leave it as it is!! - Rachel, Clifton Beach.

Don’t let big money wreck what we have here. - Keiron, Burnie

The local community’s desire for an appropriate response to their environment and the wildlife must be observed. -Simon, Clifton Beach.

“How do we love all the children of all species for all time?” Not by developing coastline that’s home to many of the species with whom we share this beloved planet. -Annie, West Hobart.

People visit and move to Tasmania because of its natural unspoiled beauty and to get away from these very canal-style estates. - Catharine, South Hobart.

Why are we as Tamanian’s always defending the beauty and natural regions of our state?  Don’t you want for your children and childrens’ children to see this, to be able to visit natural places – untouched by development that has so-ooo many repercussions for peoples’ and animals’ lives?  Please listen, Paul.  Jim was going to become much greener.  As his friend, you must begin to change!
- Max Cordwell’s friend, Roz from Lindisfarne.

I would like the State Government to consider the long-term benefits of Ralphs Bay as it is, and as an important shorebird habitat.  This is far more important than a short-term, profit-motivated development. - Sadler, Battery Point.

No canal development necessary in Tasmania.  Horrible things! - Eleanor, South Arm

Please consider the environment above money, for it is all we can give our children. - Lisa, Red Hill

I feel deeply about our waterfront and wildlife.  This proposed development worries me.  I used to live at Lauderdale for 5 years.  -Irene, Bellerive

We should not need to continually defend the natural beauty of this state from our own so-called ‘representatives’.  This area is unique and fragile, and can never sustain development.  Also, contrary to the statement made by Walker Corp, we do not feel that we are ‘missing out’ by not having such average and inappropriate developments.  Consider what will be lost forever, and do not proceed for mere short-term financial gain.  This development is neither wanted, nor needed.
-Suzanne, Sorell

Download the letter to Premier Lennon and send it in yourself - tell Premier Lennon how you feel about the Walker plans for Ralphs Bay