Environment
Loop road trouble in the pipeline
Chris Pippos Advocate
FORESTRY Tasmania has gone to ground over claims indemnity and other issues surrounding an iron ore slurry pipeline may hinder the Bartlett Government’s $23 million Tarkine loop road. It is understood Savage River Mine owner, Grange Resources Tasmania (formerly Australian Bulk Minerals – ABM), has not been consulted for more than a year about the impact the sealed road will have on its pipeline, which carries slurry from the mine to Port Latta. It was reported in 2003 that ABM wanted $75 million ($15 million up-front) for any damage to its pipeline, following moves to log parts of the Tarkine now to be used for the loop road. The Tarkine National Coalition said there are still serious issues unresolved between the company and Forestry Tasmania, which refused to comment yesterday, handballing inquiries to the government. Read more here