FREE OCTOBER 2020 Snake Season Arrives Snakes have been on our planet for the last 60+ years interacting with. millions of years, but how much do we So, what should you do if you come really know about these animals? across a snake in the wild? If you have COVID-19 Grants an interest in snakes Ian says ‘Get hor- Ian Norton has had an interest in ribly excited’. Read about the Grant Recipients snakes since he was a young boy and and how they are growing their was more than happy to share his For the rest of us, Ian said the main businesses through the COVID wisdom and knowledge about these thing is to be respectful. fascinating creatures that he has spent Continues on Page 8. Pandemic. Pages 6 & 7 NEED TO GROW YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE? Flare Leap is a local business based in Launceston, specialising in: Website Design Social Media Management Online Learning Digital Marketing SEO & SEM Cyber Security Contact us today for a no-obligation, free quote! (03) 6327 1731 [email protected] 2 www.TamarValleyNews.com.au Big win for Tassie wine & gin guru (Picture: Supplied) Natalie Fryar, who picked up top honours at the 2020 Australian Gin Awards Tasmania’s Natalie Fryar has picked up sparkling wine expert Tyson Stelzer in his describing richness top honours at the 2020 Australian Gin 2020 Sparkling Wine Report. Bellebonne 60% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir drop as and beauty that I’ve tried to capture in both Awards, with is only “brilliant”. the wine and the gin. The Abel Gin Company awarded gold one of two two sparkling wine producers Tasmania claimed 19 places in Stelzer’s Top “I have very much made Tasmania the medals for both its Essence and Quintes- to earn the coveted 7 stars in this year’s 30 sparklings this year. centerpiece of everything I’m trying to do sence Native report. Natalie says both the gin and sparkling creatively” Tasmanian Gins. Her Bellebonne Natalie Fryar Vintage Rosé wine accolades are a wonderful recognition Natalie consults to numerous wineries in- Established in 2016 The Abel Gin Compa- 2017 scored an impressive 96 points in of her cluding Pipers Brook Vineyard, who make ny was two of 22 gold medalists from a list Stelzer’s creativity and the Tasmanian brand. sparkling of 250 2020 report, trumping most of the coun- “It is unexpected and it feels pretty won- wine under the Kreglinger, Pipers Brook gins around Australia. try’s larger producers. Stelzer equates a derful when people recognise that you’re and Ninth Island labels. Natalie is also turning heads when it comes score of 96 trying to do Previous to this ‘The Queen of Bubbles’ to her sparkling, with her boutique brand (out of 100) as “Top gold or trophy stan- something original, in the best way you spent more than 14 years as winemaker at Bellebonne listed as one of Australia’s top dard in a wine show”. know how, by engaging creativity.” Jansz Tasmania. two sparkling wine houses by champagne Bellebonne Natalie Fryar Vintage Cuvée “It feels great that people can recognise and 2016 earned 95 points too, with Stelzer what I can see in Tasmania, that incredible This could be your business... DON'T MISS OUT! Advertise here Have News? Email: [email protected] Email [email protected] BRIDGET ARCHER MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BASS Representing our community 6334 7033 [email protected] bridgetarcher.com.au BridgetArcherMP Authorised by B. Archer, Liberal Party of Australia, 100 St John St, Launceston TAS 7250. Have News? Email: [email protected] 3 Park and Bike Program improves New West- opportunities for cyclists East Tamar bridge clos- er to reality A new bridge linking the West and East Tamar from the Riverside area to the Mowbray/Newnham area has been on the wishlist of many locals for some years. In the 2018 State election, the Liberal Party promised that if re-elected they would commit to the planning, designing and costing of the bridge, and this is now well underway, with the Tasmanian Govern- ment currently completing a feasibility study for the proposed Tamar Bridge, and will engage with the community through the process to determine the most ap- propriate linkage with the West Tamar Highway. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to addressing the arterial congestion problem (Picture: SUPPLIED) Left-to-right: Owen Tilbury - President of the GRCC, Alison Hugo - Project Leader, Councillor Geoff Lyons, Lauren on the West Tamar and create choice and Harper - Tailrace, Malcolm Reid, Tamar Bike Users Group efficiency for road transport on both sides of the river. The Great Regional City Challenge Bike Users Group and Reclink Northern (GRCC) believes that communities are Tasmania were fortunate enough to secure Tailrace Centre is the first partner to pro- “The current commitment is for $2.5 capable and willing to tackle the challenges $10,000 for the Launceston – A Great Cy- vide a suitable site for Park and Bike. million towards feasibility, community and opportunities that matter to them, and cling City project as voted by the Launces- consultation, geotechnical surveys and that’s why the GRCC concept was start- ton community. Caleb Smith , Tailrace Centre Executive development of design parameters,” Mr ed to identify projects that could help us Stage one of the project is to establish des- Pastor said, ‘The team here at Tailrace were Ferguson said. become one of the world’s great cities. And ignated free parking areas in and around very excited to be part of the Park & Bike to help them succeed a $100,000 in seed Launceston but preferably near outlying program. We had the space waiting to be “The Tasmanian Government has also funding was offered from the community cycling lanes or cycle ways. The concept is utilised, and Alison’s vision for the project allocated $25 million in 2022-23 as an and government plus projects have been to encourage the community to park their had us all onboard after the first conver- initial contribution towards construction, offered hands-on support. cars and ride into town for work, shop- sation. Seeing this program come to life with further funding to be committed over ping, family outings and or other social was such a joyful experience; two teams of the following four years subject to feasibil- On Your Bike Tours Launceston, Tamar activities. people who love the Launceston community ity assessment and once design, cost and and want to make a positive change in this Australian Government contributions are c it y.” confirmed and finalised. The Project Facilitator, Alison Hugo from “The first stage of the project has been On Your Bike Tours Launceston highlighted completed. This stage has identified the how Launceston already has some fantastic traffic impacts for each potential bridge cycling infrastructure in place and the pro- location as well as identification of safety gram was really just focussing on activating and capacity issues on the West Tamar the community to use it. Launceston’s levee Highway. system for example has been very well designed to accommodate pedestrians and “The second stage of the project is under- cyclists alike. way. This looks at matters of construc- tability for each bridge location and will “The program will bring many benefits to determine the likely bridge form and the city including reduced traffic congestion interchange requirements. It will also and possibly alleviate some of the parking recommend a shortlist of upgrade options pressures in the city centre. Most impor- aimed at improving safety and connectivity tantly it promotes and supports active and on the West Tamar Highway,” Mr Ferguson healthy lifestyle choices. Riding is proven said. to have outstanding benefits to individuals’ physical and mental health” Alison said. “The next stage of the Tamar River Cross- ing project is to determine a preferred The project supports the GRCC overarching alignment. The project working group has goal for Launceston to become a vibrant city shortlisted potential options and intends to that is a highly desirable place to live, work open public consultation on the topic later and thrive. in 2020. Owen Tilbury, President of the GRCC said, “The planning, design, costing and Stage “A great regional city is a city with healthy 1 building for a new crossing is a key citizens who enjoy regional qualities of less commitment in the Launceston and Tamar traffic and beautiful places to ride a bike. Valley Traffic Vision, which is a suite of This project makes this easier for those who projects addressing congestion, safety and live on the edge of the city or in neighbour- travel time reliability on the Launceston ing towns to drive to the Tailrace and then and Tamar Valley road network.” bike to work, shop or visit. So simple, so great a concept!” Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Shane Broad MP, was contacted for comment. 4 www.TamarValleyNews.com.au Bell Bay Aluminium Crew Leader Bridge and leads the way in Gender Diversity Heavy Ve- hicle Safety Funding for Northern MoreTasmania than $1 million in funding is flowing into Northern Tasmania to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads in the regions through the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and the Vehicle Safety and Produc- tivity Program (HVSPP). Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the funding will be shared across seven projects, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities. “This vital funding is ensuring our roads and bridges are safer while also providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Mrs Archer said.