Rebecca’s paddle against the mill

Tracey Mair

While paddling, the two shared their mutual concerns about Gunns pulp mill, proposed to be constructed just down-river from at Bell Bay. While neither consider themselves Greenies, both are concerned about the effects the proposed mill will have on the environment and the economy.

On a cool and misty Morning on the Tamar River, Rebecca Gibney joined Sydney to Hobart kayaker Simeon Michaels for a brief stretch of his paddle up the Tamar River.

After receiving expert instruction from Simeon, Rebecca “took to paddling like a duck to water” and was soon heading fearlessly towards Whirlpool Reach under the Batman Bridge.

While paddling, the two shared their mutual concerns about Gunns pulp mill, proposed to be constructed just down-river from at Bell Bay. While neither consider themselves Greenies, both are concerned about the effects the proposed mill will have on the environment and the economy.

Ms Gibney and her partner Richard Bell reside in the Tamar Valley with their two year old son, born in the Valley. As a Mum, Rebecca is concerned about many aspects of the mill, including its usage of fresh water, dioxin-pollution of the Bass Strait and air pollution potentially severe enough to cause premature death from lung disease, according to statements released by the Australian Medical Association.

Rebecca and Richard’s thoughtful and constructive submission to the RPDC can be viewed at http://www.rpdc.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/69971/548_Richard_Bell_and_Rebecca_Gibney.pdf

Simeon, in addition to kayaking ability which has brought him through storms, past sharks and across the notorious Bass Strait, is a successful businessman and respected leader on sustainable investment issues.

He focuses his attention on the economic aspects of the mill. Throughout his 2000km paddle, he has met people whose lives and livelihoods will be negatively affected by the proposed mill. “Its no use creating wealth and jobs at the mill if pollution from the mill destroys wealth and jobs in the fishing, farming and tourism industry” “This isn’t just about the environment” he says “both human decency and common sense require a solution which will provide a net benefit for Tasmania, not just one company”

The two also discussed possible wealth-creating alternatives for the Tamar Valley, and agreed that wealth and jobs can be created in the Tamar Valley in a far more positive manner.

Simeon is helping to raise funds for the Tasmanian Round Table for Sustainable Industries, a Tasmanian initiative which will include representatives from the farming, fishing, tourism, sustainable forestry and the finance industry, all working together to develop a vision for the Tamar valley which will create jobs and wealth, in a sustainable manner. Donations can be made through his website www.paddlewithsim.com

After the paddle, Rebecca announced that she is converted to kayaking. Expect to see her and her family kayaking on its beautiful waters some time soon, as long as that mill isn’t built

Preserve. Protect. Provide. Paddle.