FRANKLIN CANDIDATES RESPOND TO SAVE RALPHS BAY QUESTIONNAIRE

Download as pdf file: www.saveralphsbay.org/pdf/SRBMedia16Mar10.pdf

NO Franklin state election candidate has expressed any support for canal estates in Tasmania, in responses to a pre-election questionnaire sent out by Save Ralphs Bay Inc.

Replying to the first question, “Do you support the construction of a canal housing estate inside Ralphs Bay?”, Ross Butler MHA stated
categorically, “No. The very concept is abhorrent.”

Responding to Question 2, “Do you support the construction of canal housing estates anywhere else in Tasmania?”, Mr. Butler said, “No. I cannot conceive of any coastal or estuarine area where it would be appropriate.”

In their reply, the Tasmanian Greens stated, “No. The Tasmanian Greens would immediately move to establish a statewide ban on canal estate development in Tasmania.”

Jenny Forward of the Socialist Alliance said, “No, absolutely not. We support the Save Ralphs Bay campaign and the dedicated work that has gone into submissions and community protest to explain the inappropriateness of this development. The majority of the local community are opposed, threatened species will be put further at risk, and the social and environmental impacts far outweigh the benefits of the development (profits for a few already-wealthy corporate bosses and shareholders).”

The official responses of the Labor and Liberal parties avoided expressing either support or opposition to the canal estate proposal, but left the matter in the hands of the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

ALL candidates expressed their support for detailed examination of Cassy O’Connor’s Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009 by the Joint House Committee on Environment, Resources and Development. This Bill was debated in the Tasmanian Parliament on November 18 last year. In a rare unanimous vote, the Liberals, Labor and Greens sent the Bill to the Joint House Committee for further examination of the matters it raised.

Ross Butler (Labor), the Tasmanian Greens and the Socialist Alliance all support a Tasmanian canal estate ban. Canal estates are banned in New South Wales and Victoria.

The Tasmanian Greens referred to policy commitments already made during the state election campaign, saying:
“I am also proud to draw your attention to our Coastal Integrity: Looking After the Places We Share policy commitment , which will see a strong and enforceable State Coastal Policy developed and implemented, as well as a dedicated Coastal Protection Unit be established.”

Asked, “Do you support additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission, to provide assistance for the Tasmanian community to engage large corporations in the Commission process fairly and on an even playing field?”, Socialist Alliance candidate Jenny Forward replied, “Yes, especially if the Save Ralphs Bay group have discovered through experience that this is necessary.”

The Greens also replied, “Yes”.

Ross Butler MHA said,
“Yes. It should not be the responsibility of community groups to take on powerful vested wealthy companies by fund raising. There should be a means like the granting of fiat to take a case to the High court to protect community interests.”

The official Labor party response from Lara Giddings, Daniel Hulme and Kate Churchill was, “The Tasmanian Planning Commission Act provides that the Commission is not bound to act in a formal manner and that it is not bound by the rules of evidence (S10 of the Tasmanian Planning Commission Act 1997).
I am satisfied that the Panel is able to regulate their own proceedings so as to assist the general community in making their views known. I understand that the Commission does provide a pre-hearing information sheet to members of the public appearing at a hearing so that they can familiarise themselves with what they can expect at a hearing.”

The full set of candidates’ responses to the 9-question survey can be read on the Save Ralphs Bay website, at www.saveralphsbay.org

SAVE RALPHS BAY FRANKLIN CANDIDATES FORUM: Save Ralphs Bay Inc. is holding
a Franklin Candidates Forum at the Lauderdale Hall on the 6th Anniversary of
the start of the campaign to save Ralphs Bay.

The Forum runs from 8.00pm – 9.00pm.

Confirmed attendees are, Lara Giddings MHA, Nick McKim MHA, Ross Butler MHA,
Vanessa Goodwin MLC (representing Will Hodgman MHA, who is an apology),
David O’Byrne, Jacqui Petrusma, Adam Burling, Jillian Law and Wendy
Heatley.

“This will be a very interesting night indeed, and we strongly encourage
Franklin voters to come along”, said SRB Chair, Bill Edmunds.
Jane MacDonald, Save Ralphs Bay Inc. www.SaveRalphsBay.org