Interlude

I would love to continue with the Crete thing but I'm so tired tonight. I couldn't possibly face getting out the memory card and looking for photos. I am so busy at work, picking all the beech I can every day, I'm exhausted. There's the truth.

Let me just ramble before retiring so that I can feel better. I like to write this blog, as poor as it may be at times. I had three meetings to do with Nobelius Park and Emerald Museum last Tuesday. Then on Thursday there was another; a meeting with Puffing Billy reps, Jason Wood Federal member for our seat of LaTrobe, and Eastern Dandenong Ranges Ass.

We heard how PB is applying for Federal funding for megabucks to build an Information/heritage centre in Emerald Lake Park. We were told to decide if we want to be part of this or not. To me it was a 'their way or the highway' sort of thing.

Our committee has not yet had the opportunity to discuss this. I write just to get it off my chest. The CEO of Puffing Billy talked how they were growing their business on the back of huge international tourism increase from China.

For the record, it is my view that tourism is not sustainable, unless it is eco tourism utilizing natural environment that is preserved by doing so. PB does not cut it, is my opinion. It is a drain on the public purse, always looking for government hand out. It is a ridiculous, noisy, dirty, polluting fire hazard, a non profitable total frost.

I have recently returned from a trip to Europe. In countries I visited tourism is the biggest industry. They are broke or close to it.

There's an easy political motive to promote tourism. Just before each election the party behind in the polls announces big grants to PB if elected. Reality (there's the word pollies love) is, that instead of waiting for money to come in from tourists, we should be out there producing something that people and the world needs and wants.

Like I do every working day.