Environment
Poll finds 74% oppose mill
MERCURY
A NEW poll shows major opposition to the controversial Gunns pulp mill.
The Australian Greens say the result proves the Federal Government is at odds with the rest of the country.
A Galaxy Poll, commissioned by the Greens, found 74 per cent were against the construction of the mill — to be built in the Tamar Valley — with only 14 per cent in favour.
The remaining 12 per cent were not sure.
Greens leader Bob Brown said the poll was proof the federal and state governments were out of touch with the common people.
About 1100 people were surveyed for the poll, with 42 per cent replying they were strongly opposed to the mill, compared with the 3 per cent who were strongly supportive.
The Federal Government has long backed the mill, provided that it meets environmental guidelines.
Anne Layton-Bennett
Compare and contrast a tale of two Tamar Valleys … which one would you prefer?
Tamar Valley: Area of Outstounding Beauty
Or, The Examiner:
Greens’ poll misleading, says FIA
BY RACHEL WILLIAMS
8/08/2009 12:00:00 AM
THE Greens have been accused of using misleading information in a national poll that shows overwhelming opposition to Gunns’ $2.2 billion pulp mill.
The Galaxy poll, commissioned by the Greens, showed that 32 per cent of people were opposed and 42 per cent were strongly opposed to the project – a total of 74 per cent opposition.
Fourteen per cent of those polled were in favour – just 3 per cent of those were strongly in support.
Twelve per cent did not know or did not answer the question.
The poll of 1100 people, taken between July 24 and 26, asked: “The logging company Gunns proposes to build a pulp mill in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. A substantial amount of woodchips being used in the mill would be sourced from Tasmania’s native forests. Do you personally support or oppose the building of the pulp mill?”
While a Gunns spokesman refused to comment on the result, it is understood that company officials believed the question was misleading because they say the mill will be plantation-based.
Forest Industry Association of Tasmania chairman Julian Amos said the Greens were being “deliberately loose with the truth”.
“The Greens knew the majority of Australians would support the mill if they mentioned it was plantation based – like the 70 per cent who supported a plantation-only mill in a Wilderness Society poll in 2007,” Dr Amos said.`
“The Greens should get behind a project which will save more than one million tonnes of carbon emissions a year, produce enough green electricity to power Launceston and add more than 1600 full-time jobs to an area of Northern Tasmania crying out for help, instead of wasting their time on these negative antics.”
Greens leader Bob Brown said the poll was solid evidence that the mill was a bad idea.
“Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier David Bartlett are offside with the majority of Australians who can see that building this forest- hungry, polluting pulp mill is the wrong way to go,” Senator Brown said.
It is understood that Gunns chairman John Gay is overseas as he continues the fight for finance from a joint venture partner.
What Brown and Milne said:
Bob Brown and Christine Milne – New Poll says Australians don’t want Pulp Mill
Friday, 7 August 2009
New Poll says Australians don’t want Pulp Mill
A Galaxy poll commissioned by the Australian Greens shows massive opposition to the proposed Bell Bay pulp mill.
The poll conducted on 24-26 July of 1100 Australians reveals 74 percent of Australians oppose the building of a mill in the Tamar Valley. The figures see an even greater opposition to the mill if the 12% without an opinion are excluded. This brings the figure to 84% in opposition.
Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said the poll was solid evidence that mill proponent Gunns Ltd and the Rudd Government should end their support for the project.
“This shows a clear decision by Australians that a pulp mill in the Tamar is a very bad idea.”
“Prime Minister Rudd and Premier Bartlett are offside with the majority of Australians who can see that building this forest-hungry, polluting pulp mill is the wrong way to go.”
Deputy Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said the poll would give any international investor cause to rethink involvement.
“What international company could even entertain the notion of partnering with Gunns when only 3% of the Australian population strongly support the development, compared to 42% standing in strong opposition – that is 14 to 1, an overwhelming opposition.”
“The current interested partner – Södra of Sweden – should note the results of this poll because a partnership with Gunns will clearly harm its global reputation.”
The Galaxy Poll:
Question: The logging company Gunns proposes to build a pulp mill in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. A substantial amount of woodchips being used in the mill would be sourced from Tasmania’s native forests. Do you personally support or oppose the building of the pulp mill?
Sample: 1100 Australians, 24-26 July, 2009
Strongly Support: 3%
Support: 11%
Total Support: 14%
Strongly Oppose: 42%
Oppose: 32%
Total Oppose: 74%
Don’t Know/Refused: 12%
Total 100%
Office of Senator Christine Milne
www.christinemilne.org.au
www.youtube.com/user/senatormilne