From: Peter Brohier [maptag@hotkey.net.au]
Sent: Saturday, 26 August 2006 3:50 AM
To: TasFreight (Ex Email)
Subject: Re: Tas freight 
Submission 25th August 2006 
If Tasmania or its businesses are isolated or disadvantaged by water and by having no bridge then the same argument can be advanced for the Mainland and its businesses. They face the same impediments regarding access to Tasmania, being now a growth market at its doorstep and a state with enormous existing and potential strengths. 
The impact of the cost of crossing Bass Strait on any business mainly exporting to Tasmania can be just as significant as the impact on a similar Tasmanian business mainly exporting to the Mainland. TFES currently treats them differently. 
With an Auslink connection, every facet of the economy and community in both Victoria and Tasmania will benefit. All concerns will be met in a simple and cost effective and objective way. Those that have needed to use the "Tasmania is isolated and disadvantaged because of water " argument, that may have been used for decades, will not need to advance it ever again. 
The size of the market place will increase. 
Current economic modelling may not be able to assess the impact of this link. 
It may fall into the realm of the new economic geography of conglomeration economies for which no modelling may be currently available in Australia. 
If Auslink is necessary for the mainland, then introduce it on the route between Victoria and Tasmania.The cost is comparatively small for the nation's shortest inter-capital link.