Workers leave a lasting trail

Three Capes Track construction supervisor Albert Thompson with the view over Arthurs Peak to the Tasman Peninsula. Pictures: SAM ROSEWARNE

LOGAN Higgins reckons he has got the best job in the world.

The 27-year-old from West Hobart also says he has the world's best office -- the ocean-side bushland of the spectacular Tasman Peninsula where he is helping construct the Three Capes Track.

Billed as the new Overland Track, the six-day guided trek is expected to become a global eco-tourism attraction hosting up to 10,000 walkers a year when the last duckboards are put down in late 2015.

Until then, Mr Higgins will continue clearing the scrub and hauling gravel in work he described as "enjoyable but back-breaking".

"I've never really had to grow up," he said.

"I spent my childhood playing in the mud and stacking rocks and it's exactly what I do now."

Mr Higgins admitted his work roster with the Mt Trails company, which involves nine nights camping in a tent city with his colleagues before a five-day break, was not for everyone.

On the Three Capes Track

But he said the scenery and permanence of the track his team was building meant that the life of a track worker had pleasures city folk never know.

"And when you get to the top of the hill and look out over the ocean it is amazing.

"It's just exceptionally rewarding work, which is why I've stuck at it for so long.

"You get to the end of a day and think that part of the track is going to stay there for the next few hundred years.

"There's been a few times I've gone up to the lookout in the middle of the night, with a bright moon, and just sat with a hot chocolate watching the shooting stars and the Aurora [Australis]. Just an amazing spot to be."

Working alongside Mr Higgins on the Three Capes Track is experienced landscaper and part-time Port Arthur ghost tour guide Andrew Holmes.

The 53-year-old Boomer Bay resident was offered work with Mt Trails after last summer's Tasman Peninsula bushfires, in which his immediate neighbours lost their homes and his family was relocated because of asbestos fears.

"The fellows at Mt Trails gave me a go, and it's definitely hard, physical work," Mr Holmes said.

"But the good thing is that the work that we do here will be here in 100 years. So that means a lot to me.

"And it's fun to work out here. It's a beautiful part of the world."

Mr Holmes said being in the bush for long stretches took its toll, saying time away from his wife and children was difficult.

On his days off he looks after his kids and provides some "sanity time" for his spouse.

Opera singer Phillip Joughin, of South Hobart, traded a career on stage in Sydney for a return to Tasmania to pursue his other passion -- the great outdoors.

The 40-year-old father described track work as "good for the soul", saying as soon as he finished the track he wanted to bring his son to see it.

"I'd definitely like to bring the young fellas through to show him the walk, but also just show him the area," Mr Joughin said.

"I really enjoy this work. There are times when it is hard and it's obviously very physical. But the flip-side is that you can see real progress every day."

Mr Joughin said that working outside in Tasmania meant taking his jumper on and off 15 times a day, but to make up for the weather he and his workmates witness sea eagles and "wedgies" (wedge-tailed eagles) flying overhead.

He said that while he was yet to spot a whale off the coast, many of his colleagues had.

"The beautiful things about the weather here is that when it rains the smells come out of the wood, and when you get mottled cloud you get these wonderful bands of sun down over the ocean," Mr Joughin said.

Track boss Peter Guiver understands that despite the obvious upsides, working in the bush isolated for long periods with a small team in variable weather conditions presented unique challenges for his Mt Trails employees.

The company principal has developed a well-trained eye for signs of worker weariness, and had contingencies in place to lift sagging spirits.

"If you see someone's looking a bit down, you might let them head back home for a few days, or just take the next shift off. The problem is that it's pretty hard to get out of here quickly. It's a two-hour walk back to Fortescue then a car ride.

"But it's a lovely life. It's great just being outside."

Mr Guiver also has back-up plans for the inevitable inclement days working in the Tasmanian bush.

Particular work is left aside for wet days -- including clearing vegetation or rehabilitating track edges -- with difficult stonework given a wide berth.

Parks and Wildlife Service acting regional manager Shane Breen has helicoptered in to inspect progress on the track and said he was not only impressed by the product, but by the dedication and the work of the track crews.

"Their professionalism is ensuring the longevity of the track, and one that will require little maintenance."

duncan.abey@news.com.au

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Reggie still smiling

Reggie Sorensen, with children Lucas, 4, and Mia, 6, is trying to stay positive despite health problems. Picture: RICHARD GOSLING

HER positive nature on Big Brother made her much loved, and Reggie Sorensen (nee Bird) is using that same attitude to get through life every day.

Reggie has lost much of her vision over the past few years, suffering from an eye disease called retinal pigmentation.

"My eyes are deteriorating really badly," she said.

"There is nothing that can be done about it."

The former Cambridge fish and chip shop owner, now based on the Gold Coast, is also a single mother to Mia, 6, and Lucas, 4, who suffers from cystic fibrosis.

Lucas has been in and out of hospital for the past few years.

Despite all this, Reggie, 39, still can still laugh and crack a smile.

"I went through my stages of being really depressed from it all. I went through a really bad spell a couple of years ago.

"But now I'm feeling really good. I think I've just got to make the most of each day and that's exactly what I'm doing."

Two years ago this Christmas, she split from her husband Dale Sorensen .

He still has an active part in the children's lives.s

Reggie said if there ever was a Big Brother All Stars, she would jump at the opportunity.

The Tasmanian became a national celebrity when she won Big Brother in 2003 and Chrissie Swan was runner-up.

"People always ask me if I would do it again and of course I would," she said.

"It was really good fun."

luke.dennehy@news.com.au

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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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Demand for super vegie grows

Sampling some kale are, from left, Houston's Farm's Vanessa Ford and Estelle Blackwell, with food scientist Hazel MacTavish-West. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

SALES of leafy super-vegetable kale are flourishing, with Tasmanian producer Houston's Farm struggling to keep up with demand.

Houston's Farm marketing manager Allison Clark said its product, grown at its Cambridge property, was sold around Australia through Woolworths and sales were going really well.

"Our sales in baby leaf kale have grown about 25 per cent in the last 12 months," Ms Clark said.

"Consumers are starting to understand it, try and experiment cooking with it."

Hobart-based food scientist Hazel MacTavish-West said there was a simple reason why kale was a hit with consumers.

"Everything that is good about vegetables can be found in leafy kale," Dr MacTavish-West said.

"Being sexy and eating vegetables, especially kale, go hand in hand because it improves skin tone."

Kale is among the brassica vegetables and has a high antioxidant capacity, along with many vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres.

And Tasmanian vegetables would be the purchase of choice, a recent national survey says. Almost 70 per cent of Australians said they would buy our vegetables, if available.

The survey, taken on behalf of Eat Well Tasmania, also highlighted the fact that people most often buy fruit and vegetables from independent greengrocers.

roger.hanson@news.com.au

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Hobart dines out on circus

Cast members rehearse for the Hobart's Only Theatre Restaurant show on August 31. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

ROLL up, roll up, but be warned -- this is not your regular circus.

It is, in fact, Hobart's Only Theatre Restaurant, performing a circus-inspired show in pop-up restaurant events.

Lockhart Brownlie, who has danced with Katy Perry and is touring with Taylor Swift, choreographed the show.

Marketing manager Lynn Batge said dancers and singers auditioned from across Hobart.

"We wanted to do something different, and give the kids more opportunity," Mrs Batge said.

"It's based on the original circus and the freak show, so its got all those characters and around it is a love story between the two circus owners."

The next show is on August 31.

A two-course meal is served during the show, which is held at the C3 Convention Centre at South Hobart.

emma.hope@news.com.au

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Community's heart beats on

TUCKED away in suburbs across the state, Tasmania's network of 34 neighbourhood houses are on the front line of the state's financial crisis.

Most of the houses are under increasing pressure to meet demand and staff say promised extra funding can't come soon enough.

Risdon Vale's Neighbourhood Centre is a typical example of the many ageing, cash-strapped houses that are still managing to make a positive impact in their community.

Centre co-ordinator Ann Harrison is the only full-time paid staff member at the centre.

The centre's annual budget from the Department of Health and Human Services is about $112,000 a year.

More funding is sourced from a patchwork of grants and the houses rely heavily on a pool of volunteers.

The humble brown brick house next to the Risdon Vale shopping area was opened in 1985.

"Because of the increased demand now on neighbourhood houses and the cost of living pressures we're doing much more and there's just not enough space," Mrs Harrison said.

Young mum Danielle Clifford, of West Moonah, grew up in Risdon Vale. Her parents still live there and she attended playgroup at the community centre when she was a child.

Now she brings her own son Riley, 1, to playgroup and is learning new skills by volunteering at the centre.

"It gets us all together, and we're getting things organised and getting things done," Ms Clifford said.

Mrs Harrison said the centre was an empowering place for young mothers.

"Sometimes the young ones have babies and they become isolated at home and they get lost. When they are young they want to have a baby and then they realise it's not the be-all and end-all ... with everything that they do here, they are learning skills and it gives them confidence and self esteem," she said.

With charities buckling under rising demand, neighbourhood houses are now providing food aid daily. Staff also connect locals with financial counsellors and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Cooking classes are offered to local mums who struggle to afford healthy food and who lack a sound knowledge of cooking and nutrition.

Mrs Harrison said the Federal Government's decision to transfer some single mums from the single parenting payment to Newstart was having a big impact at Risdon Vale.

"Some [single mums] have lost $100 per fortnight and that's their food money. I don't think things are going to get any easier. Kids have poor diets in these high-needs communities," Mrs Harrison said.

As one of the few winners from this year's State Budget, neighbourhood houses will be making the most of every cent.

A total of $4 million will be allocated over the next two years to pay for infrastructure upgrades across Tasmania's 34 neighbourhood houses.

In addition, $580,000 has been provided for preventative health programs to be run through the houses.

Mrs Harrison said the Tasmanian Association of Community Houses had been lobbying the Government and MPs for extra money for some time.

"They know it's money well spent, we save the government a lot of money through the work we do, it's the community doing work to help the community."

For more information, go to www.tach.asn.au

blair.richards@news.com.au

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Forestry funding in balance

AS the fate of the final $100 million of the $420 million Tasmanian Forestry Agreement hangs in the balance, Deputy Premier Bryan Green has launched a blistering attack on his Liberal Party opponents, describing their plans to thwart the deal as the "biggest act of political bastardry in Tasmania's history".

The Liberals, for their part, say they will do nothing to stop the cash from flowing, saying it is only Labor that has made the funding conditional.

Where the money goes

Money promised by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd last month is contingent on the state's Upper House giving its final blessing to the forest peace deal.

The ongoing crisis in forestry has caused the state's biggest company -- Gunns -- to go belly-up and Forestry Tasmania to teeter on the brink of insolvency.

Mr Green said the federal money was vital to building a post-forestry economic future for timber communities.

"Funding from the Tasmanian Forest Agreement is extremely important for Tasmania's economy and the people who have been impacted by the downturn in the forest industry," he said.

"The TFA is about helping the industry to restructure, for businesses to transition and to support forestry workers and communities through these difficult times."

Mr Green has hotly denied repeated accusations from the State Opposition that the money is payment to shut the forest industry down.

"The Liberals have the one-liners and policy slogans but no answers. It is the Liberals who pose the biggest threat to the forest industry and money flowing from the TFA," Mr Green said.

"If the Liberals succeed, it would be the biggest act of political bastardry in Tasmania's history."

The state Liberal Party has long vowed to tear up the forest peace deal should it win office at the next state election, expected in March next year.

That pledge would mean that forests placed in reserves would again be open for logging.

Liberal MP Peter Gutwein condemned the conditional nature of the forestry funding.

"Tasmania deserves its fair share of regional development money to grow industries across the state," he said.

"This money should not be linked to shutting down forestry.

"We don't support paying to shut down the forestry industry, close businesses and buy out jobs."

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott told ABC radio the forestry funds would still flow if the Liberals won the federal election.

"What I said was that I was not going to begrudge hard-pressed businesses the federal grant that they were recently given by Mr Rudd," he said.

"I also said that as far as I am concerned, Commonwealth money spent in Tasmania should be to keep industries going and to boost industries, not to close them down.

"But those grants that were announced by the Commonwealth a few weeks ago, they will be honoured."

david.killick@news.com.au

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