July 02 2009

Gottliebsen as agent provocateur

JOHN LAWRENCE

If only the large institutional shareholders who now hold approximately 85% of Gunns, took Robert G’s advice. For God’s sake guys, Gunns only “needs one or two Australian banks to loan the project at least $50 million, but preferably $100 million”. Why don’t the instos chip in a bit more, if as Robert G says “shareholders (I think he means joint venturers) are looking at very large profits”. There’s plenty of money available, currently sitting in cash on the sidelines, if the project’s a goer. Perhaps it isn’t and that’s the catch? The disappointing MIS sales for 2009 (down by two thirds) will mean a bit of a shortfall in plantation timber at harvest time in 12 to 14 years time. Which all reinforces Dr Chris Beadle’s doubts about the ability of plantations to support a mill of the size proposed by Gunns. Robert, stop pretending that the environmentalists are all that’s preventing banks from lending to Gunns. And all you TT bloggers, stop getting annoyed by Robert.  Turn the other cheek. He’s just an agent provocateur. Read more, Comment here

DON’T MISS: Toxic rally

Download flyer: TOXIC_RALLY_FINAL.pdf

TOXIC RALLY

TO SUPPORT POISONED ROSEBERY RESIDENTS
PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWNS, HOBART
12:30PM SUNDAY 5th OF JULY
Rosebery residents will be telling all about toxic contamination on their properties and how it’s making them seriously ill; and how the government has failed in its duty of care under the Public Health Act.
Come and here the truth about the government’s hatchet job report on toxic contamination in Rosebery. Our backyards are the hotspot for heavy metal contamination in Tasmania.
Come and see samples of the toxic sludge surrounding our homes
Our clean green image is a lie
If you have toxic issues as well – bring your banners
For further information contact:

Earlier on Tasmanian Times: My fight with the Department of Health and Human Services

A humbling experience

CHARLES and CLAIRE GILMOUR

It was a humbling experience to visit and talk with the on site forest defenders from Still Wild Still Threatened, on June 2nd 2009.

Crotty for Pembroke

Running for Pembroke: James, with Janine Crotty.

LINDSAY TUFFIN

HOBART lawyer James Crotty will stand as an independent for the seat of Pembroke in the Legislative Council election on 1st August 2009 — throwing down the gauntlet to the recently Liberal-endorsed candidate Vanessa Goodwin. Mr Crotty today ended speculation saying: “Tasmanian governance desperately needs renewal. Playing politics and blame games is not good governance. Voters are cynical, besieged daily by headlines highlighting further economic and social challenges.

Those fugitive odours

EXAMINER, Thursday

THE Tasmanian Government has defended the environmental permits for Gunns’ proposed pulp mill, in the wake of renewed concerns about fugitive emissions from the controversial $2 billion development. Correspondence released earlier this week between the Resource Planning and Development Commission and Gunns from 2005 showed the planning body had grave concerns that the timber company had not addressed the issue. Bass Greens MHA Kim Booth raised the issue in Parliament yesterday, calling on the Government to publicly release all documentation compiled by the RPDC during its aborted assessment of the pulp mill. Deputy Premier Lara Giddings maintained the Government was committed to ensuring that the pulp mill met “best practice environmental standards”. Read more here

TONY SADDINGTON

Apart from start up, modern Kraft pulp mills tend to run almost odour free for the first 2 to 3 years after start up. The problems of odour occur after that period and currently cannot be corrected. Thousands of pipe seals heading to the burners become saturated and allow odour to escape. With this in mind Gunns can be reasonably confident that its mill will not smell too much for 2 years after commissioning. It is the rest of the 70-year lifespan with obnoxious odour that we will have to contend with. Read more, COMMENT HERE

What Warwick Raverty says, Pulp Mill Smoke and Mirrors: HERE

Bright future for News Ltd journalism …

JOHN HARTIGAN, CEO, News Ltd. Speech to the National Press Club, July 1. Read below, or online: Here

Despite being in the middle of “one of the the most traumatic and uncertain transformations in our history”, Mr Hartigan - whose company publishes the Mercury and themercury.com.au—said the appetite for quality news and information would grow dramatically. “Newspapers can adjust to the digital age, adapt their business models and continue to reach mass audiences,” he said. “What it will take is a complete rethink of the very essence of what is news. “We have never been challenged, as we are now, to justify why someone should pay for our content. I believe people will pay for content if it is original, exclusive, has the authority and is relevant to our audiences.”

Mr Hartigan said online blog sites could never fulfil the role of well-researched, brilliantly written, perceptive and accurate journalism.

Read the full text, below:

Detailed analysis of the Wielangta decision

Malcolm of Hobart

There is a detailed analysis of the Wielangta decision in Chapter 6 of the Interim Report into the Independent Review of the EPBC Act by Dr Allan Hawke which has just been released for public comment:  http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/review/publications/interim-report.html
Read more, Comment here

Pistol-whipped

ROBERT GOTTLIEBSEN, Business Spectator

The Gunns pulp project in Northern Tasmania could start construction within three months but for one problem – Australian banks are too frightened of the environmentalists to loan relatively small sums to the project. Overseas banks are prepared to stump up almost all the money required but Gunns still needs one or two Australian banks to loan the project at least $50 million, but preferably $100 million. So far, Australian banks’ fear of the environmentalists runs so deep that there are no takers. The ANZ was an early backer but pulled out because of the environmentalists threats. Given that the project is being supported by the federal and Tasmanian governments, and that northern Tasmania is about to be hit with the closure of the Wesley Value pulp mill, all that stands between employing thousands of people on the construction is a couple of small loans from Australian banks. At least at this stage, it seems that the environmental movement has more power over the Australian banks than the Australian or Tasmanian governments. Read more, Comment here

Gunns knew fugitive emission would be a problem years ago

KIM BOOTH, Govt Should Release Relevant RPDC Documents, http://www.tas.greens.org.au And, Read Conor Duffy’s 7.30 Report report, below or link: Here. And refuting the Chipman Bordeaux argument

The Tasmanian Greens today called on Health Minister Lara Giddings to reveal what measures have been taken to address fugitive emissions from Gunns proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill, following bombshell revelations aired overnight on ABC’s 7:30 Report that the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) had warned that the proposed mill will definitely emit fugitive odours.

FEA: From bad to worse; MIS trials and tribulations

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES

The trials and tribulations of the managed investment scheme sector in recent months have taken their toll on some of the remaining players in the sector. Gunns Ltd, Elders Ltd, Willmott Forests, TFS and FEA, five of the continuing groups, all revealed sharp falls on 2008 sales figures, some of 30% to 60%. The failures of Great Southern and Timbercorp (which was substantially wound up this week after creditors voted to put the 40 subsidiaries into liquidation) plus the 24% fall in the stockmarket in the year to June, meant a fall in the number of people willing to take the risk (or people with profits to try and shelter). Read more here

JOHN LAWRENCE

Last Friday’s ASX announcement foreshadowed MIS sales for 2009 to be significantly less than $60 million achieved in 2006 and 2007.

Greenmachines

MARGOT GIBLIN

Greenmachines …

The inaugural exhibition of sculpture by year 9/10 students is a joint venture by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Tasmanian School of Art (UTAS), the Department of Education, The Tasmanian Catholic Education Office and the Hobart City Council.

Tasmanians lose $92m on pokies in first five months ….

As Russia bans them ...

KIM BOOTH, Greens gaming spokesman

The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Bartlett Government to reveal how much is too much after the Tasmanian Gaming Commission (TGC) released the latest poker machine losses for the state, revealing that Tasmanians lost $19, 152 166 on pokies during May, which brings the total amount lost for this year alone a whopping $92, 702, 253. [1]

Finding mates a job

WILL HODGMAN, Leader of the State Opposition: Statement on Scott Gadd

There is one thing you can count on with this Government – they’ll find their mates a job.

Hay:Labor for Bass

ABC ONLINE

Former Tasmanian MP and Miss Australia, Kathryn Hay, has nominated for Labor preselection for next year’s state election. Ms Hay ran as an independent Labor candidate for the Legislative Council in May but failed to take the seat of Windermere from the incumbent, Ivan Dean. Ms Hay says she was approached by the Premier to run for Bass and took several weeks to consult her family. “I just spoke with my family and I realised that I love my family and I love Tasmania, I want to live here and God-willing have the opportunity to dedicate my working life to helping Tasmanians. So that’s what it all came down to.” Read more here

Keep rail in public hands

TOBY ROWALLAN, Future Transport Tasmania: Agreement complete – rejuvenation of railways must begin now

Future Transport Tasmania today welcomed Infrastructure Minister Graham Sturges announcement that a sale process had been agreed to between Pacific National Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.

Dear Mr Burke

WILLIAM BOEDER

Forestry is but another form of Whale-hunting, though the objects in their case be the supposedly protected Ancient Forests of Tasmania.

It seems such a shame that you were taken in by the collective smart-suited rogues at this conference, they obviously saw you as an easy target for their unctuous manners, smiling countenances, and giggly requests/ demands for Federal-Funding so to keep alive their proven unsustainable industries.

Less cars equals more people

TOBY ROWALLAN, Future Transport Tasmania, Future options become much easier without cars in North Hobart

Future Transport Tasmania strongly endorses Hobart City Council Alderman Helen Burnet’s motion to have a trial car-free zone in the North Hobart commercial district.

Super: Biggest fall since ‘92

SMH

Superannuation fund returns fell 13.3 per cent in the 2008-09 financial year, the biggest drop since the introduction of compulsory super in 1992, according to estimates from research firm Chant West. The slumping returns in median growth funds follows a loss of 6.9 per cent in 2007-08 and marks two consecutive years of losses as the global financial crisis continued to wallop the retirement savings of Australians. Read more here

July 01 2009

Mission sinks …

DEREK HAIGH ...

... Derek Haigh of Lindisfarne writes of his concern that as well as other property disposals elsewhere, the Anglican Church now intends getting rid of a wonderful outdoors training facility for young people - the Mission Afloat camp at Montgomery Park, Coningham:

Wilderness Society to host Burning Season screening

GEMMA TILLACK

On Thursday night (2nd July), The Wilderness Society is hosting a screening of the feature-length documentary The Burning Season to initiate discussion about the urgent need to protect the world’s forests to help halt climate change.

Gunns: In their own words, from 2007

MIKE CASSIDY

Here are the key words/phrases extracted from 16 statements issued by Gunns to the ASX about imminent financing and construction from 2007.  “substantially progressed, completed in the near term, proceed quickly, final stages of completion, commencing on site construction, final terms, finalise the arrangement, strong international interest, active discussions, discussions continuing, continuing to progress, progress discussions, continuing to negotiate, continuing talks, continuing with the project, quickly as possible, move forward, will continue, quickly as possible, progressing, on target, expecting to reach agreement, finalised, moving forward positively.” There now, do you need any more convincing that there is no spin from Gunns. Read more, Comment here

The ALP mysogyny

GREG JAMES

Why would Senator Brown want to co-operate with commenting, as soon as she does the ALP with their typical mysogyny will demand her resignation, while leaving Kons and Green ‘in situ’.  It is obvious to anyone outside the ALP that the treatment of their female members is vastly different to their treatment of male members of parliament. Note Kons an admitted liar, stays, Ritchie goes with parts of her family ASAP, Brian ‘not innocent’ Green, stays, and Wriedt gets exposed and eliminated. Is this how we want Tasmania to work, with a ruling political party that behaves like a bikie gang. Codes of silence, forced co-operation, intimidation of members to stand together, sending recalitrants to Coventry and persecution of the members at their weakest moments. Favors for party helpers, nepotism, cronyism. Factional fights, selection of thugs mental and physical to keep the members in line and its all ok until someone finds out. What type of person actually finds membership of this organization attractive.  The ALP has truly failed here and the results are a state with the worst education system in Australia, the worst health system and gaming out of control, big business receiving benefits, the poor sidelined, infrastructure a total failure in terms of applications and forsight, corruption in many forms, ignorant and untrained Ministers of State, Ministers and ministries fighting the public.  Senator Brown, should be running scared, as far away from her ‘brothers and sisters’ as is possible. Read more, Comment here

Gunns: We’ll soon know …

JOHN LAWRENCE

In answer to Neil (#20) ( Here ) may I offer the following observations?

Out of the (different) closet

THE OLD BEAR

There is a new era in the “flow and flush” of Tasmanians’ lives - the State Government’s control of water and sewerage via corporations. There is apprehension about the results, but at least we can be comforted by the fact we won’t have to put up with what much earlier generations had to endure.

Toxics Rally

… to support poisoned Rosebery residents: My fight with the Department of Health and Human Services

12.30 Sunday 5th of July, Parliament House Lawns, Hobart: Come and here the truth about the government’s hatchet job report on toxic contamination in Rosebery.  Our backyards are the hotspot for heavy metal contamination in Tasmania. Come and see samples of the toxic sludge surrounding our homes.  Our clean green image is a lie. If you have toxic issues as well – bring your banners.
WHERE: PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWNS, HOBART
WHEN: 12:30PM SUNDAY 5th OF JULY
WHO: Rosebery residents will be telling all about toxic contamination on their properties and how it’s making them seriously ill; and how the government has failed in its duty of care under the Public Health Act.  For further information contact: Leslie Stejskal -

Mission Afloat set to sink

DEREK HAIGH … of Lindisfarne writes of his concern that as well as other property disposals elsewhere, the Anglican Church now intends getting rid of a wonderful outdoors training facility for young people - the Mission Afloat camp at Montgomery Park, Coningham:

I am saddened to learn that the Anglican Church is planning to demolish buildings at Montgomery Park, Coningham, and subdivide the land into residential blocks for sale.

Wildlife care plan ruined by red tape and bungling

MATTHEW DENHOLM, The Australian, June 29

BUREAUCRATIC bungling scuttled a “visionary” plan, funded by Kathmandu clothing founder Jan Cameron, to create a world-class rescue service for orphaned and injured animals in Tasmania. Documents obtained by The Australian under Freedom of Information laws reveal Tasmania came close to securing a five-year deal with Ms Cameron’s Bonorong Wildlife Centre. But the deal fell over last month, with Bonorong blaming chronic red tape and a “lack of direction” within government. Bonorong, also known as Go Wild Tasmania, is bitterly disappointed, as is Ms Cameron, whose charitable Elsie Cameron Trust purchased the wildlife park with the aim of setting up the proposed service.  “Now I’ve got a bloody wildlife park that I don’t really want to have—unless it can be transformed into something more to do with animal welfare, rather than just displaying animals,” Ms Cameron said … But a paper trail suggests Mr Llewellyn’s department struggled to organise these aspects … Mr Llewellyn was also privately under fire from GWT. “Unnecessarily protracted negotiations and lack of direction shown by your department have created havoc and fear amongst the volunteer wildlife carers,” Dr Bryant wrote to Mr Llewellyn on April 7.
Read more here

Senator dodges staff queries

It all began: Here

Photo from Flickr.  Senator Carol Brown (TAS) and The Hon Julie Collins MP with Tasmanian Branch Secretary Sean Kelly

PAUL CARTER, AAP, June 30, 2009 09:00am

A TASMANIAN Labor senator with links to a nepotism scandal has refused to answer questions about her staffing.

Weed-Whacking Herbicide Proves Deadly to Human Cells

SCIENTIFICAMERICAN.COM, June 23.

Used in yards, farms and parks throughout the world, Roundup has long been a top-selling weed killer. But now researchers have found that one of Roundup’s inert ingredients can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells.

‘Pulp fiction’

KIM BOOTH, Greens pulp mill spokesperson

The Tasmanian Greens today in Parliament continued to pressure the Bartlett government to come clean over its support for the Gunns’ proposed pulp mill at Longreach.