Jeff Briscoe Move to get Hobart City Council involved in an elector poll over the Pulp Mill
“Whatever the merits of the pulp mill in the Tamar Valley – the extraordinary abandonment of process that we have observed has an negative impact on Tasmania and the view of Tasmania nationally and internationally – potentially permanently damaging our Tasmania brand. So far, every Tasmanian has been denied a democratic vote over this important issue.” “The media spotlight is on Tasmania and nationally it doesn’t look good.” Said Alderman Briscoe today. “I have been waiting for the Kevin Rudd view – but it has turned out to be identical to the State Government and thus ordinary people have had limited opportunity to express their view on this important issue during the coming federal election”
Alderman Jeff Briscoe will introduce a motion to the next Hobart City Council meeting to get a poll on the pulp mill proposal at the same time as the October local council elections and seek similar polls from all Tasmania’s 29 Councils.
“Whatever the merits of the pulp mill in the Tamar Valley – the extraordinary abandonment of process that we have observed has an negative impact on Tasmania and the view of Tasmania nationally and internationally – potentially permanently damaging our Tasmania brand. So far, every Tasmanian has been denied a democratic vote over this important issue.” “The media spotlight is on Tasmania and nationally it doesn’t look good.” Said Alderman Briscoe today.
“I have been waiting for the Kevin Rudd view – but it has turned out to be identical to the State Government and thus ordinary people have had limited opportunity to express their view on this important issue during the coming federal election”
“By linking the elector poll over the pulp mill with council elections saves money and allows everyone on the electoral roll which is the same as the federal electoral roll to have their say.”
“Whilst the detail of the elector poll question is not firm – I imagine the questions that could be posed for Hobart residents would be along the lines of “Do support the Gunns pulp mill at the site in the Tamar valley” “Do you support a closed loop pulp mill at the Hampshire Hills”. The yes and no case could be put.
“Hobart is the centre of Tasmania’s tourism and our infrastructure will have to cope with increase in log trucks through our streets. A pulp mill in the wrong place will impact on all Tasmanians.
“So its time to gain the public view and this is a fair way for everyone to express their view”
(Ald) Jeff Briscoe
BSc(Hons) Dip Ed M.Hum LLB(Hons)
Hobart
