Editorial: Ferry fears founded

TASMANIA'S tourism and motoring leaders are right – we have to make the trip across Bass Strait more affordable.

Spirit of Tasmania

TASMANIA'S tourism and motoring leaders are right – we have to make the trip across Bass Strait more affordable.

The state's regional tourism sector is struggling and cannot afford to lose visitors deterred by the cost of travelling across Bass Strait.

The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania's call for a review of Bass Strait passenger costs is crucial.

It says the rebate for motorists taking a vehicle across Bass Strait has fallen more than 40 per cent since its introduction in 1996.

The council rightly points out the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme is critical to regional tourism.

TICT chief executive Luke Martin said the cost of taking a vehicle across the Bass Strait would be up to $400 more return without the scheme.

Such a cost would cripple this form of visitor market and have spin-offs for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

The "grey nomads" are critical for our regions.

Country areas are suffering as visitors flock to big-ticket attractions such as MONA and Hobart and ignore country or regional areas.

Tourists with caravans and camper vans tend to explore all our state's "nooks and crannies" and spend more of their money in regional areas.

But the challenge for TT Line, which operates the Spirit of Tasmania ferries, is competing with cheap airline flights.

Visitors could find it cheaper to fly to the state and hire a van rather than bring their own vehicle across Bass Strait if costs become prohibitive.

Vale Stockers

WE have lost another one.

The death of former Mercury sports journalist David Stockdale has hit all of us hard.

And it comes after we lost former long-time racing writer David Lonergan last month.

"Stockers" was one of the good guys.An old-fashioned news hound who wasn't afraid to call it as it was, upsetting more than one sports player and administrator during his 33 years at this paper.

He was a writer who cared about every word – sometimes to the frustration of sub editors with an eye on late-night deadlines.

But we loved his attention to detail and determination to get his stories right. His stories just flowed.

That is why he carved such an illustrious career and reputation at the Mercury.

Stockers was the face of the paper during the halcyon days of Tasmanian footy with his trademark bets on the outcome of grand finals resulting in all manner of outrageous public acts.

He could turn his hand to any sport. He was an authority on all.

Stockers was a gentlemen but most of all a friend.

Well played champ. We'll miss you.