Chance to quiz Denison candidates

RESIDENTS of the federal seat of Denison will get a chance to grill the main candidates for the hotly contested seat at a forum organised by a national organisation devoted to increasing political engagement.

OurSay and the University of Melbourne are running the Citizens' Agenda forum at the University of Tasmania on Tuesday night.

The event will be moderated by the Mercury's editor, Andrew Holman.

The evening is expected to be attended by incumbent independent Andrew Wilkie, Labor candidate Jane Austin, Australian Greens Anna Reynolds and Liberal Tanya Denison.

A swing of 1.2 per cent is needed to unseat Mr Wilkie, who broke Labor's hold on the seat when he was elected at the federal election in 2010.

But recent polling shows he has a good chance of retaining the seat.

People are being asked to nominate questions for candidates online and vote on what the candidates should be asked.

The forum for the Hobart-based seat is one of 10 being run around the country in the approach to the federal election on September 7.

OurSay is an independent organisation launched in 2010 with the ambition of connecting ordinary citizens with people in charge.

See and vote on the questions: oursay.org/citizens-agenda

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The promise of good, clean fun

SLIP, SLOP, SPLAT: Nick Gill gets down and dirty. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

MUD, glorious mud.

That's what Nugent farmer Lindsay White is promising by the tractor-load at the inaugural Raw Challenge event at his Redbanks property on November 2, and he wants everyone to join in the fun.

Competitors will face down more than 30 obstacles over the sodden 8km course, including giant A-frames, a 25m waterslide, floating-log challenge and rope hurdles, on a day of music and food that Mr White said would be one big party.

"It's going to be awesome," he said.

Mr White said he expected more than 3000 entries for the November event (there is another planned for Saturday, February 22, at the same location) and at least as many spectators.

Local vineyards and food vendors will be catering and two planes will offer joy flights over Maria Island.

"There'll be camping here overnight and we're looking at putting on some live music too."

More information at www.rawchallenge.com.au

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Growth pledge wins support

TONY Abbott's plan for Tasmania has been given a tentative thumbs up by the Sunday Tasmanian's citizens jury.

The Coalition's growth plan for Tasmania, which includes $38 million of funding for an extension of the Hobart International Airport runway, a $25 million boost for a new Antarctic study centre in Hobart and new Commonwealth offices in the North and North-West, gained mainly positive vibes by the team put together by the Sunday Tasmanian to go over the political announcements of the week.

North-West farmer Mike Badcock said there was plenty in the plan that could benefit rural communities in Tasmania such as Forth were he lives and works.

"There are some very positive points in the plan," Mr Badcock said.

He liked that some of the projects would involve joint government-industry working groups.

"A major problem in the past has been that many decisions are being made without industry input."

Howrah retiree Peter Bailey said the extension of the Hobart Airport runway could help alleviate some of the state's freight issues.

"It could help to avoid our continued reliance on the waterfront to ship our stuff around."

At this stage Mr Badcock and Mr Bailey say they are likely to vote for their local Liberal candidates.

First time voter Jessica Walch, of Blackmans Bay, has remained committed to the left side of politics.

Ms Walch did see some virtues to the Liberal plan this week -- but was sceptical.

"There are certain aspects of the plan that I think would benefit my community, though, such as the expansion of the airport, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean research grant," she said.

"The rest seems to all be a bit 'wishy washy' with committees and councils popping up all over the place."

Scottsdale parents Tamieka and Daniel Monson were happy with plans for the Liberal Party to look into freight and investment in agriculture.

"Our community has such a strong background in farming, so any promotion and expansion within the fruit and vegetable industry by creating a 'fruit and vegetable industry taskforce' could only be of benefit to hopefully boost employment," they said.

Triabunna-based small business owner Mike Davis said he liked the idea of greater co-operation between the Federal and State governments but felt there were still aspects missing from the plan.

"There is also no mention of assisting Tasmania's health sector," he said.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Tall ships in voyage of history

Tasmanian Sail Training Association chairman Rob Thomas, on board the Lady Nelson, is looking forward to the tall ships spectacular along the Hobart waterfront. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THE spirit of high seas adventure will descend on Hobart's waterfront next month with the arrival of the biggest fleet of tall ships since the Bicentenary celebrations.

Seven tall ships will sail in on September 20 for Tall Ships Hobart 2013, which is being held in association with Sydney's International Naval Fleet Review in celebration of 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy.

Tall ships festival director Paul Cullen said the September 20-25 event would be a once-in-a-generation chance to see a fleet of tall ships on Hobart's waterfront.

"It paints a picture of what Hobart used to look like 150 years ago, when we were exporting apples to the world," he said. "It reminds people that we are still connected to the sea. These ships bring back some of the romance of running away to sea.

"Some of the vessels are 50-60m vessels carrying up to 80 crew."

The seven visiting international ships that will join local ships Lady Nelson and Windeward Bound are Lord Nelson, Europa, Dewa Ruci, Young Endeavour, Oosterschelde, Soren Larsen and Tecla.

One of the most spectacular sights will be the parade of sail on September 25 when all seven visiting tall ships will line up by the Tasman Bridge and leave Hobart together.

Mr Cullen said it would be free to view the ships from the wharf, and a $20 ship's passport could be bought to tour the ships throughout the festival.

Princes Wharf No. 1 shed will be home to Tasmanian food and wine stalls and exhibits from local maritime organisations during the festival, and Constitution Dock will host 15 of Tasmania's oldest historic vessels.

For details, click here.

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