MEDIA RELEASE
Australian Democrats – Tasmanian Division
January 20, 2010
The Tasmanian Division of the Australian Democrats have called for a referendum on the proposed Gunns Pulp Mill at Bell Bay as a final opportunity to right the wrongs in the approval process.
Tasmanian Division spokesperson Kathryn Crosby said the way the pulp mill was approved is a major cause of opposition to it. “Had the full and proper processes been followed, processes that the people trust as opposed to special legislation from a Government they don’t trust, opposition to the pulp mill would probably be considerably lower.”
“We believe there is one opportunity to right this wrong. Put the issue of whether the pulp mill should go ahead should be put to the people in a referendum when Tasmanians go to the polls in March,” Ms Crosby said.
The Australian Democrats do not oppose development and believe a pulp mill will create many much needed jobs. However, the party feels it would be better in a location that is not as environmentally vulnerable as the current Bell Bay site. “The issue of location would have been best assessed by the processes that were set aside,” Ms Crosby said.
“We are happy that Gunns have already announced that 100% of the timber is to come from plantation. We remain concerned about air pollution, waste water management, associated transport issues and the impact on surrounding businesses.”
“These issues may be able to be worked out and managed, but if the Tamar Valley community doesn’t want the pulp mill then there will continue to be unrest on the subject. We don’t want a situation where Gunns employees are continually being harassed, or worse, under threat of an eco-terrorism attack at work,” Ms Crosby said.
“The only way to resolve this is to give Tasmanians a say in what happens in their community: put it to the people in a referendum.”
Australian Democrats – Tasmanian Division
