Ambo boost call to aid responses

AMBULANCE crews must be boosted to improve Tasmania's emergency response times, says an internal report released yesterday.

The report calls for an urgent increase to crews and stations to bring down the emergency waiting times in Hobart and Launceston.

Denison Independent MP Andrew Wilkie condemned the State Government for failing to implement the main recommendations of the report done for Ambulance Tasmania.

"Tasmania has one of the worst capital city response times in the country," Mr Wilkie said.

"Instead of acting, the State Government has sat on the report that recommends a solution to this health problem for two years and the Tasmanian community is paying the price," Mr Wilkie said.

The report says: "The first priority is to raise emergency response standards in Hobart and Launceston by 2011-12."

It said an extra full-time crew was required in Hobart and Launceston bases, and three new stations were needed in the Hobart area.

Bryan Wilson of EMSPA, the Australian Paramedics Association, said the 2012 National Report on Government Services showed ambulance response times were among the worst in the country.

Among data referred to in the report released yesterday, two-thirds of emergency cases - including heart attacks - were not seen within 10 minutes in southern Tasmania.

That was despite a target used overseas and in South Australia of eight minutes in 90 per cent of cases.

Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said 15 new paramedics would be employed this month and 15 in April next year.

She said statewide response times improved from 11.4 minutes to 11.2 minutes in the past financial year and response times had improved in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

Hobart's 2011-12 median wait time was 10.3 minutes.

"This report was commissioned as an internal planning tool and contained a raft of very useful information that we are already using," Ms O'Byrne said.

Among those, a first intervention vehicle was being trialled and was already improving response times.

Mr Wilkie said the government was only "tinkering around the edges".

Ambulance Tasmania said the eight-minute benchmark was not used in Tasmania nor many other jurisdictions.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Great balls of fire

HOT ACT: Self-declared Australia's "King of Circus" Roy Maloy smashes the world fire-breathing record yesterday. Picture: LEIGH WINBURN

MORE than 500 fireballs were hurled into the air by Australian circus king Roy Maloy as he attempted his fifth world record yesterday.

In front of an awestruck audience at the Brighton Christmas Parade, he breathed 501 fireballs within 28 minutes, beating the previous record of 100 fireballs in an hour in a performance that he describes as "extreme circus".

"There's a lot of danger involved," he said.

"I've been burned a few times.

"I lost all the skin off the back of my hand once and I've lost my fringe as well."

Based in Melbourne, Maloy, whose shows also include knife-throwing and sword-swallowing, will attempt to walk a kilometre on stilts in under 9.35 minutes at the Stanley show today.

elizabeth.lord@news.com.au

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Public meeting on Sikh plan

The Chapel St Reserve will be the site of a public meeting later today about the proposed Sikh temple. Picture: TINA STAGG

A PUBLIC meeting about a proposed Sikh temple in Glenorchy is being held today at the Chapel Street Reserve at 6.30pm.

The Glenorchy City Council supports a proposal to dispose of part of the reserve so Tasmania's small Indian Sikh community can build a temple on the site.

On Sunday, a meeting at the reserve drew a crowd of about 30 people opposed to the temple.

Local resident Matthew Pettit said there had not been enough consultation and people in the neighbourhood had concerns about the visual impact of the temple, increased traffic, noise and operating hours.

The Sikh community had been working on plans for a temple in South Hobart for three years but earlier this year the Hobart City Council rejected the plan after community opposition.

Sikh spokeswoman Surinder Mahindroo said Tasmania was the only state or territory without a temple and some Sikhs were leaving the state because they had nowhere to worship.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man guilty of murder, arson

THE daughter of a murdered man has looked his killer in the eye and told him his evil deed has devastated an entire family.

Her voice cracking with emotion, Brittany Birrell-Williams looked straight at Stuart Barry Russell in the dock of the Supreme Court in Hobart and told him he was a messed up and dangerous man who had left a family stricken with grief at the loss of a beloved father, son and brother.

She said the crime was made even harder to bear by Russell's botched attempt to burn her father's body.

After a nine-day trial, Russell, 40, of Eggs and Bacon Bay, was found guilty of murdering 46-year-old Brett Williams at the southern seaside town last December by a unanimous jury decision this afternoon.

He was also found guilty of attempted arson.

A single hand clap rang out from the public gallery packed with Mr Williams' family as the verdict was announced.

Russell blinked, briefly looked puzzled and grimaced. He repeatedly wiped tears from his eyes as his sentencing hearing unfolded.

In a drunken and unprovoked attack in Mr Williams' kitchen, Russell stabbed the older man four times.

He struck the fatal blow with a steak knife through Mr Williams' heart.

After conducting a bizzare memorial service over the body, Russell returned in an unsuccessful attempt to set a fire to conceal the crime.

He was arrested the following morning.

Ms Birrell-Williams concluded her victim's impact statement with a message for her father: "You can rest in peace now dad."

Moments after Ms Birrell-Williams' powerful speech, Russell's lawyer Kim Baumeler said he had instructed her to say nothing in mitigation on his behalf.

Justice Peter Evans will sentence Russell tomorrow.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fox threat serious, says hunter

Chris Gitsham, right, and Allan Free with foxes shot near their farms in Victoria. They warn of dire consequences should foxes become established here. Picture: CRAIG BORROW

A VICTORIAN farmer who shoots foxes every night has warned Tasmanians the animals are an invisible menace that can wreak havoc on the environment.

Bounty hunter Chris Gitsham said there only needed to be a couple of foxes to end up with "a helluva lot".

"They take lambs, chooks, native animals, but mostly lambs, which are bitten around the throat ... with birds they often take the head off," he said.

The warning comes after new scientific research found foxes were widespread, and experts called for greater action to eradicate the pests.

Mr Gitsham and shooting partner Allan Free use spotlights and kill four to six foxes a night in the peak season.

"In a bad year we lost 30 per cent of our lambs and shot 80 foxes around one mob of sheep," said Mr Gitsham, of Lalbert in north-west Victoria.

"If they have the smallest sense of something out of the ordinary they'll look straight at you.

"They are very elusive and often fairly cunning. They're not something you'd see walking around in the day."

A study detailing fox populations, reported in the Mercury yesterday, reignited debate about the fox program.

Since the Victorian bounty of $10 a mask the face of the fox was brought in a year ago, 127,000 have been collected.

Mr Gitsham said the money went towards ammunition and fuel but he would shoot foxes anyway as a hobby.

Victorian Sporting Shooters Association hunting and conservation manager Colin Wood said when foxes were in low numbers they were much more wary.

"They seem to have an extra sense," he said.

"When they're trying to establish themselves they keep out of public view."

Tasmanian Patrick Moss, who was a shooter in Queensland, said he had seen a fox near Collinsvale several years ago.

"I saw it at night time ... in a big open paddock. Those idiots who say we don't see them ... you won't see foxes. They are very sly, very smart. But 1080's not the answer, I've seen too many good dogs die from it. Even trap- ping is hard because they can smell you," Mr Wood said.

Veterinary pathologist David Obendorf said there was no sound scientific proof of foxes in Tasmania.

"The process just hasn't been rigorous. And that study was drawing on the same evidence," Dr Obendorf said.

He said if the Government took the threat seriously it would make baiting compulsory, not leaving out vast Midlands properties.

Opossum Bay resident Penelope Marshall wants to raise $24,000 to bring fox hunter Eddie Juras to Tasmania.

"Now is the best time, November to January. It would be a proper, thorough investigation," Mrs Marshall said.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Funding freeze fears

Antarctic research vessel Aurora Australis berthed in Hobart earlier this year. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

TWO Hobart institutions that drive Antarctic, oceanographic and climate change research could be gone in 18 months.

Experts fear the closures could leave Hobart's world-class Antarctic and oceanographic research reputation in tatters and jeopardise future projects and international partnerships.

Federal Government funding for the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Co-operative Research Centre is due to run out in 2014 and the Integrated Marine Observing System as soon as next year.

Pressure is building on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to continue the funding but she has indicated there will be no more money.

The CRC initiates joint ventures involving organisations such as CSIRO, University of Tasmania and the Australian Antarctic Division as well as overseas institutes, to stage projects such as last month's successful Antarctic sea ice expedition on board Aurora Australis.

IMOS develops and operates hi-tech ocean monitoring devices such as Argo floats and disseminates the information that they generate. It subcontracts a lot of its work locally with CSIRO, UTAS and AAD.

Denison Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said in a year when climate change and its impact on ocean temperatures, ice melt and marine ecosystems has gained unprecedented global attention, he was getting unsatisfactory responses from Ms Gillard on Antarctic and ocean research funding.

"I've raised the need for certainty of funding for IMOS, Australian Antarctic Division and the CRC repeatedly with the Government," Mr Wilkie said.

Ms Gillard, in a letter to Mr Wilkie, indicated the Government did not intend to continue CRC funding beyond 2014, and she did not commit to funding IMOS.

"I am advised the CRC has developed a transition plan to address future research activities ... to continue beyond 2013-14," her letter said.

CRC chief executive Tony Press said such a transition would only be effective if there was ongoing funding.

Dr Press said at stake was:THE strong reputation that the CRC had built in international research circles.HOBART'S attraction as a place for researchers to gather and conduct antarctic and climate change research.HOBART'S capacity to train world class researchers.

Federal Greens leader Christine Milne said the CRC had succeeded in pulling together CSIRO, UTAS, AAD and institutes from countries such as Germany, NZ, China, France, United States and Japan to collaborate on projects that otherwise never would have been achieved.

Senator Milne said the CRC's influence had transformed Hobart into a world class research hub, capable of attracting extra brains and money from overseas.

IMOS director Tim Moltmann said funding from other sources should keep IMOS going until 2014.

IMOS, with $18 million in annual funding, supports about 50 Tasmanian jobs including researchers and engineers employed by UTAS and CSIRO. The CRC with $4.5 million annual funding supports 25.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

The Xmas cut we need

THE Reserve Bank yesterday cut interest rates to their lowest level since April 2009, but the spotlight is now on how much the banks will pass on.

The RBA cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3 per cent, after a 25-point cut in October.

Bank of Queensland yesterday cut its variable interest rates by 0.2 percentage points but the four major banks are yet to move their rate.

Rate comparison website Ratecity .com.au said homebuyers would save $33 a month in repayments on the average Tasmanian home loan of $201,000 if cuts were passed on in full.

But not everyone was happy, with National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill saying it wasn't good news for the organisation's 3500 members in Tasmania.

"This interest rate cut, the fourth in 2012, comes as a blow to retirees who depend on their bank deposit returns for a small steady income," he said.

Tasmanian Industry Group executive officer Daniel Leesong said the cut provided much-needed relief heading into Christmas.

"Hopefully it will encourage Tasmanians to open their wallets and spend locally," he said.

"It will provide a much-needed stimulus, encourage investment and will assist the job market."

Real Estate Institute of Tasmania president Adrian Kelly said the timing of a cut was perfect for the Tasmanian market.

"Most members have been reporting increased buyer activity in the last two months so this will help," Mr Kelly said.

Housing Industry Association chief economist Harley Dale said the cut improved the prospect of a tangible recovery emerging in 2013 for new homes and renovation activity.

"Lower interest rates make a vital contribution to improving conditions for the residential construction industry, but government action is the key," he said.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said any cuts would help farmers with their loan costs at a time when the Australian dollar was dead against them.

Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens said the Board had decided to cut rates because global economic growth was forecast to be a little below average for a time.

nicholas.clark@news.com.au

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Foxes 'are widespread': report

FOXES are already widespread in Tasmania and urgent action is needed to wipe out the species before it is too late, a new study shows.

The report calls for increased baiting to try to eradicate the feral pests before they cause the extinction of native mammals.

The scientific research has thrown new light on the controversial fox taskforce that has spent $33 million during the past 11 years in an unsuccessful bid to find the animal.

The study's team leader, University of Canberra wildlife genetics professor Stephen Sarre, found that foxes were widespread in northern and eastern Tasmania.

"This research shows foxes are on the verge of becoming irreversibly present in Tasmania," Professor Sarre said.

"Their apparent widespread distribution indicates that the eradication effort is at a critical point. Eradication's a difficult but not impossible task."

Research published today in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology used forensic DNA techniques to map the presence of foxes in Tasmania and their likely distribution.

The findings are likely to add fuel to the already fiery debate within the Tasmanian community on the issue of fox baiting.

In recent months, Hobart residents have expressed alarm about the laying of poison 1080 baits in suburban areas and dog-walking tracks as part of the state's fox eradication program.

Since its inception 11 years ago, about $33 million in state and federal funds has been spent on the program but a live fox has never been found.

Earlier this year, Tasmanian MLC Ivan Dean called for a police inquiry into the program.

However, Premier Lara Giddings dismissed his concerns as a conspiracy theory.

Prof Sarre said foxes were so widespread in Tasmania that the practice of targeting only fox activity hot spots was unlikely to work and baiting all the animals' suitable habitats was the best option.

"The present situation could be as serious a threat to the pristine Tasmanian environment as the previous extinction wave was to Australia's mainland fauna ... we suggest an increased effort ... to maximise the chances of a successful eradication. Otherwise, Australia stands on the precipice of another major episode of mammalian extinctions."

The report pointed to Australia's record of half the known mammalian extinctions worldwide in the past 200 years.

Prof Sarre said the survey was one of the largest of its kind in the world. The research has also shown that fox DNA can still be detected in the animals' droppings even after three months.

Prof Sarre and his colleagues from various universities used DNA testing and fox scats to map the distribution.

A model developed by the team using knowledge of the fox's preferred habitat also forecast further spread. More than one-quarter, or 29 per cent, of the state is considered suitable habitat.

Last week, a sighting in Woodbridge south of Hobart was investigated by the fox-eradication program.

A reader passed on a report of a young fox in the area and details of poultry deaths.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Give our foster kids hope

FOSTER kids face homelessness, pregnancy, drug use and unemployment because of a lack of support once they leave state care, a damning report from the Commissioner for Children shows.

Commissioner Aileen Ashford yesterday released her third issues paper, raising serious concerns about the uncertain road many young people face when leaving the Government's care.

In 2011-12, just 20 per cent of the 67 children who left statutory care had official leaving plans, that detailed possible housing, employment and education options.

Ms Ashford called for immediate action to better support these young people.

"We need some independent monitoring to make sure that the state is an exemplary parent, that it enacts its legal responsibility so that every child or young person in care has a leaving care plan and support when they exit," she said.

The issues paper found the lack of support put young people at a high risk of committing crimes, becoming reliant on alcohol and drugs, unemployment benefits, mental health support and subsidised accommodation.

Five of the 26 young women who left the Government's care last year had a baby before leaving that care. Research showed the remaining 80 per cent had a high risk of becoming pregnant within the first year of leaving care.

Ms Ashford said young people who did not have proper post-care plans could end up costing the State Government $40,000 each.

She said the Government had a number of post-care support programs but less than 60 per cent of the funds available had been spent on children leaving care.

At the end of June last year, 966 Tasmanian children were in out-of-home care.

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Tony Reidy said 34 per cent of Tasmanian households relied on some form of government benefit as their principal source of income.

Children's Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the Government provided up to $2500 post-care for educational expenses, counselling or other services that promote independent living.

It gives $100,000 a year to a program run by the Create Foundation, helping people leaving care to develop independent living skills.

Ms O'Byrne said the Government also funded transitional housing for young people leaving care.

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Guilty trio 'victims'

Safrudin Wotu and Sulaiman bin Marhaban yesterday.

A LONG and unexpected journey is nearing an end for three Indonesian fishermen who were duped into working as crew members on people-smuggling boats.

Henki Bire, 43, Safrudin Wotu, 24, and Sulaiman bin Marhaban, 24, had each pleaded guilty to charges of people smuggling.

In the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday, Justice David Porter said each of the men was the unwitting victim of people-smuggling organisers and had benefited little from the crimes.

Bire was detained after assisting 47 passengers on a 16-metre fishing vessel dubbed SIEV 271, which arrived at Christmas Island on October 22 last year.

The widowed father of two had been told he would be paid IDR 3,000,000 ($300) to work on a fishing vessel and was unaware of the vessel's true purpose until the passengers were boarded offshore.

Wotu was detained on November 11 last year aboard SIEV 273 just off Christmas Island. He had been offered $300 to work on a cargo vessel and was also unaware of the vessel's true purpose or ultimate destination until the 94 passengers turned up.

The judge said bin Marhaban was picked up near Ashmore Reef aboard SIEV 274 with 49 people aboard. He had been paid $400 after being offered work on what he thought at the time was a fishing boat.

Justice Porter said each of the cases was typical of a pattern of people-smuggling syndicates which recruited their crew members from among the vulnerable, impoverished and poorly educated.

He sentenced Wotu and Bire to two years in jail but ordered they be released immediately on the condition they enter into three-year good behaviour bonds.

He sentenced bin Marhaban to a lesser term of 21 months because his desperation was heightened by the critical illness of a young son.

Bin Marhaban will also be released immediately on the condition he enter into a three-year good behaviour bond.

The men were released into immigration detention and are expected to be deported within days.

david.killick@news.com.au

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rise in 'dodgy' holiday rentals

ACCOMMODATION operators are facing tough competition from a rise in the number of unlicensed holiday homes on offer in Tasmania.

Tourism groups warn that shacks and suburban homes not officially registered and operated as commercial businesses are being leased to tourists through several websites.

They say these holiday homes are threatening the reputation of Tasmania's tourism industry and question if they meet basic insurance and hygiene standards.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Ben Targett said the proliferation of unregulated holiday homes was "cannibalising" the accommodation industry, taking business from professional and licensed operators.

He said there was no way of knowing if privately leased holiday venues were meeting basic industry standards.

"It leads to the potential for visitors to have inconsistent experiences, which is not good for the industry," he said.

Residential homes in Hobart suburbs such as Moonah are being listed on holiday sites for about $150 a night, while shacks in tourist hot spots, such as Bicheno, are offered for about $250 a night.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said there was a growing number of privately owned properties being leased as commercial tourism venues.

"They're not licensed to do that and they're not properly zoned that way [with local councils]," he said.

"It's blatantly breaking the law, it's frustrating.

"The problem we have is not about competition [with licensed venues], it's about standards."

Mr Martin said the industry council had received complaints from tourists about properties that turned out to be unlicensed holiday homes.

"In that case, there's nothing we can do," he said.

"You also wonder about public liability insurance and if you hurt yourself and something happens, are they properly covered.

"For a consumer, you don't have that peace of mind."

Mr Martin urged people to thoroughly check out properties online and read reviews from other travellers to filter out dodgy properties.

hannah.martin@news.com.au

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

We need you, retailers plead

Your Habitat's Robert Parker hopes buyers will spend their money locally on Christmas gifts and goods.

TASMANIAN retailers have asked shoppers to get behind them or risk not seeing them in the city and other major centres next year.

As the Christmas season launches into full swing, Tasmanian shop owners are calling for local support during the most important time of the year for retailers.

Australian Retailers Association board member and Your Habitat owner Robert Parker said shoppers needed to support new and established businesses if they wanted a vibrant retail sector.

"Christmas is vital for most retailers," Mr Parker said.

"Some retailers make all their profits during December.

"If people don't support their local retailers, they won't be here in the future."

The call comes as the Mercury newspaper launches a shop local campaign.

It will highlight Tasmanian retail success stories to help energise one of our state's most important economic generators.

Retail directly employs 26,000 people in the state.

Mr Parker said the $12 million makeover of the Cat and Fiddle Arcade, in Hobart's CBD, had helped to revitalise the city.

But support was vital to ensure national businesses like Wittner Shoes, T2, Mimco and Lululemon Athletica remained in Hobart.

"We have a lot of national stores coming into Tasmania and employing Tasmanians and if we don't support them they will not stay," he said.

Tasmanian Small Business Council executive officer Robert Mallett said surveys had painted a "doom and gloom" picture for Tasmania's retail sector but anecdotal evidence suggested it was now already looking better.

Worth about $1.5 billion to the local economy each year, retail spending in Tasmania had dropped in each of the past 11 months, after a 25 per cent jump worth $109 million, in December last year.

"We encourage everyone to buy locally," Mr Mallett said.

"You need to stop and consider where you are purchasing."

Although online shopping has become an everyday challenge for retailers, Mr Parker believed the concerns about online domination were overstated, estimating it was taking about 5 per cent of business on average from local retailers.

"It will grow, it is here to stay, but I don't think it is growing as fast as some people think," he said.

Mr Parker said there were signs people were becoming wary of online purchases following recent Australian Federal Police arrests of international organised crime members who had been charged with stealing credit-card data of up to 500,000 Australians.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Caution on online credit

Police are investigating a number of online scams in Tasmania following reports of goods being purchased using stolen credit cards. Picture: THINKSTOCK

TASMANIAN shoppers need to be on guard when giving credit card details to online retailers this festive season.

Police are investigating a number of online scams in Tasmania following reports of goods being purchased using stolen credit cards.

"People need to be vigilant at all times in order to protect themselves against fraud," Tasmania Police fraud and e-crime division Detective Sergeant Natasha Leaman cautioned last week.

The warning follows recent Australian Federal Police arrests of international organised crime members who have been charged with stealing the credit-card data of up to 500,000 Australians.

Thousands of counterfeit transactions were carried out in numerous overseas locations including Europe, Hong Kong and the US.

Banks have agreed to shoulder the burden of the losses which totalled about $30 million but consumers have been put on high alert to protect their details.

Australians lost $4.8 billion an average of $212 per citizen through direct cash and lost productivity to online criminals last year, a Norton cybercrime report has found.

While some online hackers emptied bank accounts in one hit, the majority were silently fleecing bank accounts of small amounts, leaving the victims none the wiser.

A recent study showed one in four Australians has been a victim of credit-card fraud or had money taken from their bank account.

Despite this, the study by software company Kaspersky Lab found that three out of four Australians would still buy Christmas presents online this year.

Product specialist Wayne Kirby said scammers preyed on people during the Christmas season.

"It's a time when people are busy ... shopping online and generally sharing a lot of content via email or social media," he said.

"Before clicking on any links or opening any attachments, ask yourself, is that email from a legitimate company.

"Thinking before your click can save your computer, your credit-card details and also your privacy. Scammers will prey on unsuspecting victims who trust easily and fall for financial or personal hardship stories."

Fake emails and website pages are often used.

Additional reporting Ken McGregor

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More

Toy run touched by tragedy

SOUTHERN Tasmania was brought to a standstill yesterday as 8000 motorcycles snaked their way into Hobart on the 33rd Toy Run.

But the event, which grows larger each year, was marred by tragedy with the death of an Ulverstone motorcyclist at Conara.

Riders travelling from the north of the state experienced lengthy delays on the Midland Highway after the 45-year-old woman apparently crashed into a roadside railing about 10.40am.

The woman died at the scene.

Police investigating the crash said high winds were reported by other motorcyclists in the area at the time and could have been a factor in the accident.

Riders from around the state converged on the Derwent Entertainment Centre about noon and began riding along the Brooker Highway into Hobart.

Many were unaware of the tragedy that had taken place as they waved to onlookers and threw sweets to thousands of people who lined the route.

Arriving at Parliament House lawns on classic Harley-Davidsons, sidecars and motorised pushbikes, the bikers donated toys, food and money to the Salvation Army for the state's needy children and families.

Southern Motorbike Riders Association president Dean Horsey said there was a sombre mood at the gathering and a minute's silence was held for the rider before festivities began.

Numbers at this year's event increased by more than 500 participants on previous years as the Toy Run grows in popularity among the motorcycling community.

"It brings the motorcycle community together for a good cause," Mr Horsey said.

Damian Thompson, of Ulverstone, has been taking part since his first run in 1979.

"It's a really good opportunity to help the little tackers," he said.

"Every person here does it for the same reason, it's a chance to give back to the community."

A motorbike enthusiast of 54 years, John Wallander, of Gravelly Beach, has participated in the run seven times.

"It's beautiful if the bikers can raise a heap of money for charity for Christmas," he said.

Yesterday's crash was the second fatal crash on Tasmanian roads in less than 24 hours.

On Friday a woman was killed and five injured after a van rolled on the Arthur Highway at Copping.

The death brought the state's road toll to 28, compared with 22 at the same time last year.

Any witnesses to the bike crash are asked to contact Northern Crash Investigation on 6336 3936.

elizabeth.lord@news.com.au

14.56 | 0 komentar | Read More