Jim Collier Press Release
Armada sends No Pulpmill message
THE biggest ever river rally of commercial and recreational fishers, yachties, power boaters, tinnie owners, canoeists, kayakers and wind surfers took to the Tamar River today (Sat). The protest include commercial fisherman such as Greg Shea and spokesperson of Tasmania’s Against the Pulpmill Bob McMahon and many others.
“The Pulpmill Armada, made up of over 100 vessels and over 500 people converged on the Tamar River today opposite the site of Gunns proposed pulp mill. Today’s rally has highlighted what a huge threat Gunns proposed pulp mill is to the life and livelihood of residents of the Tamar Valley, including fishermen, vineyards, fine food producers and tourism operators. The proposed pulp mill will kill of the Bass Strait, which makes in an interstate issue for both Victorian and Tasmanian fishermen.” Said Bob McMahon, Spokesperson of Tasmanians Against the Pulpmill (TAP).
“Tamar residents believe that Gunns’ proposed pulp mill is a criminal act directed against the prosperous and beautiful Tamar Valley and it’s residents” Said Bob McMahon.
“Three thousand tones of effluent will be pumped into Bass Strait every hour, of every day for the entire life of the pulp mill if it is allowed to proceed. Bass Strait will not survive this onslaught.” Said Bob McMahon.
Organizer Jim Collier said “Today’s huge rally sends a clear message to Gunns and the Government, that our freshwater is too precious to waste and Bass Strait is not a dumping site for toxic pulp mill effluent.”
Photo: The photo was taken by Bob McMahon and the yacht featured is the “Liberator” skippered by rally organiser Jim Collier.
