A pulp mill winner’s perspective

Mike Bolan

This is a list of some of the benefits accruing to the logging industry from the pulp mill proposal

1) We can justify massive additional subsidies (e.g. transport infrastructure paid by taxpayer) connected in some way to income, so that the taxpayer provides a ‘cushion’ in the event of an economic downturn. …

2) We’ll be able to justify more cash payments from governments (e.g. 2005 CFA agreement for $280 million)

3) We’ll acquire thousands of square kilometres of prime farm land aided by tax subsidies given to Managed Investment Schemes (MIS).

4) We’ll have guaranteed open access to Tasmania’s native forests for 20 years

5) We will control many rural water supplies with tree plantations having first access and for free

6) We’ll be untouchable, doing our own effluent monitoring and reporting with the State government unable to shut us down in any case.

7) We’re exempt from rules that apply to other industries (e.g. FoI & planning legislation) and we expect further exemption from any Environment Protection legislation.

8) We’ll enjoy a growing influence with governments/political parties due to close financial relationships and the sheer size of our interests

9) We will be the ONLY customer for Tasmanian plantation trees so we’ll set the price for timber.

10) We can control the various ‘regulatory’ processes through our network of ‘forest friendly’ decision makers and influencers. We have sympathisers throughout government and get the decisions we need, when we need them.

11) We expect legislative protection from suit and to eliminate or severely curtail our liability