My letter to Duncan

Dave Groves

Still, through the political ambiguity that I understand is what you must carry, I can see that you will try to do what you can to make sure that this comedy of errors is brought to heel.

Sept 6

Thanks Duncan for your reply to my email.

I have read your statement and to be quite frank it seems that the fence is a crowded place these days.

Still, through the political ambiguity that I understand is what you must carry, I can see that you will try to do what you can to make sure that this comedy of errors is brought to heel.

Why in 2007 we are chopping down native forest to make paper is simply mind boggling, irrational and completely unacceptable.

Surely 40 years after man returned from the moon we can do much better.

As far as value adding, woodchips are without doubt the lowest common denominator from forest resource and just another transient commodity on the world stage. How many unknowns from our forests are gone before they are even found?

Fine furniture on the other hand requires far less timber, far less impact on flora and fauna, generates more wealth across the board and teaches fine skills that are sadly absent from our modern world.

Sawn logs are also up there as far as low volume high return forest products.

Come on Duncan, let’s see some real value adding and not just some appeasement for a wealthy few to scar our state and forever remove forest that my grand daughter has a right to see and enjoy.

What will I tell her?

What will you tell her?

I wish you well and hope that all the argie bargie is a means to an end and not THE END.

Dave

Sept 6

Dear Dave,

I apologise that it has taken so long to get back to you. The issues you raise in your email are matters that relate to state assessment and were therefore subject to approval by the state parliament. I am of course concerned to ensure that the Commonwealth’s assessment under the EPBC is carried out robustly. I have attached a transcript of the media conference I held on the eve of Peter Garret’s visit to Hobart last weekend for you, and hope that it clarifies my position on the pulp mill. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put your views to me about this issue and apologise again for the delay in responding to you.

Best wishes,

Duncan Kerr
Duncan Kerr SC MP
Federal Member for Denison

188 Collins St Hobart, GPO Box 32 A 7001

June 24

Dear community member.

I will keep this brief, but would appreciate your reply via email to save paper and unnecessary expense.

In your privileged roles, you all have influence over this proposal, hence this email.

I have limited this to five simple questions that should take little of your time to respond to.

I would like direct and succinct answers to my questions.

Please remember this is a long term proposal, perhaps 30 or 50 years, so be honest and accurate.

Thank you.

Dave Groves

21 Lawrence Vale Rd

South Launceston 7249.

Can you/do you or the proponent:

1) Guarantee that this proposed pulp mill will not smell?

2) List a position description of the 292 jobs with reference to Tasmanian employment?

3) Guarantee that this proposed pulp mill will not pollute our air and water?

4) Agree to be held liable (If you sustain unquestioning support for this proposal) for any adverse affects to environment and community from this proposal should it proceed to operation (including forest operations)?

5) Guarantee that this proposed pulp mill will not harm or threaten existing businesses in Tasmania, particularly the Tamar Valley.