Economy
We expect that more members of the community might like to enter and see for themselves …
What: Peaceful Community Protest.
When: October 31, 12 noon
Where: Proposed Pulp Mill Site.
Forty five members of the anti-pulp mill group Pulp the Mill gathered today at the proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill site to send a strong message to Gunns that the Tamar Valley pulp mill does not have a social licence.
Lucy Landon-Lane, spokeswoman for Pulp the Mill said, “While we acknowledge the Forest Principles handed to State and Federal Governments recently are a step forward for Tasmanias forests, in no way does it give a social licence to this Tamar Valley pulp mill.”
Protesters notified the police of their intention to enter the site. On learning that the police had been instructed by Gunns to not attend the action, the protesters then took the opportunity to go and inspect the whole site.
“We were immediately struck by the massive scale of the clearing; the close proximity to homes on the western bank of the river, and the fact that the strong north-easterly winds currently blowing would take the toxic stench of the mill straight into Launceston. Since there appears to be no repercussions from entering the area (despite numerous signs saying trespassers prosecuted), we expect that more members of the community might like to enter and see for themselves.”
She concluded, “It appears that Gunns is choosing to distort the Forest Principles to imply that there is social acceptance for their pulp mill. The community will never support this mill.”
First published: 2010-10-31 05:13 PM
Meanwhile …
Community Forums Discuss Forests Process
Environment groups have commenced a series of community forest consultative forums across the state. The forums are being held so that the public and environments groups can discuss the ‘Tasmanian Forests Statement of Principles’ and the process now needed for protecting Tasmania’s native forests, reforming the timber industry, and restoring water catchments and natural landscape values.
Last week forums were held in Launceston, Burnie and Deloraine, with speakers including; Lucy Landon-Lane from Pulp the Mill, Scott Jordan (Tarkine National Coalition), Phill Pullinger (Environment Tasmania), Paul Oosting (The Wilderness Society), Lindsay Hesketh (Australian Conservation Foundation), and Kim Booth (Tasmanian Greens).
“The forums have shown strong support for protecting Tasmania’s native forests and for significant reforms to how the timber industry operates in Tasmania,” said Dr Pullinger.
“However, we also saw deep fears, mistrust and anxiety” he continued. “Addressing these concerns and realising a solution will now require a good flow of information and a genuine and broad process of public participation,” he said.
Issues raised so far have included;
* The need to protect Tasmania’s native forests
* Concerns about the management and impacts of plantations.
* Calls to audit and reform plantation policy and management as part of the process, including reforms to: protect and restore water catchments; improve governance and regulation of plantations; and institute a restoration program.
* Strong opposition to Gunns’ current proposed pulp mill in the Tamar Valley – exemplified by the unanimous passing of a motion from the floor at the Launceston meeting
* Concern that, this time, any public funding for the protection of native forests and structural reform of the timber industry is wisely spent and not wasted on subsidies or propping up business as usual
* The critical need of having well instituted public participation, consultation and engagement including regular two way flow of information with communities at every stage in the process.
Upcoming forums will be attended by local and State based speakers and include;
· Hobart: Tuesday 2 November, 5.30 – 7pm, Stanley Burbury Theatre, UTAS Churchill Ave
· Tasman Peninsula: Tuesday 9 November, 6.00 – 7.30pm. Eaglehawk Neck Community Hall, Arthur Highway
· St Helens: Friday 12 November, 5.30 – 7pm. Tidal Waters, 1 Quail St
Environment Tasmania is the peak body for Tasmanian environment & conservation groups – and represents over 20 Tasmanian environment groups with collective representation of over 5,000 Tasmanians.
And …
CAMP FLOZZA CELEBRATES ITS FOURTH BIRTHDAY
Today, Camp Flozza – Tasmania’s longest-running forest blockade – is celebrating its fourth birthday. The camp has been instrumental in promoting the outstanding conservation values of the Upper Florentine Valley’s ancient forests to the broader community, both locally and internationally.
“Over the last four years, thousands of visitors from across the globe have visited the Upper Florentine’s peaceful community blockade and have walked though these spectacular tracts of ancient forest” said Still Wild Still Threatened spokesperson Ula Majewski.
“We have welcomed the recent historic agreement between conservationists and industry and are looking forward to seeing real progress on the ground, with an immediate moratorium placed on the forests of the Upper Florentine Valley, leading to formal protection as a National Park or World Heritage Area” said Ms Majewski.
A community information day will be held in the Upper Florentine this Sunday 7th November at 11am, which has been organised by Faces of the Florentine and the Florentine Protection Society. Community members will gather at Timbs Track (21km west of Maydena) to enjoy guided forest tours and listen to guest speakers.
Download:
walk-brochure.pdf
Still Wild Still Threatened is a grassroots community organisation campaigning for the immediate protection of Tasmania’s ancient forests and the creation of an equitable and environmentally sustainable forestry industry in Tasmania.
www.stillwildstillthreatened.org
stillwildstillthreatened@gmail.com
PO Box 295. South Hobart TAS 7004
And,
Gunns investment warning
A German-based investment bank has advised against investing in Gunns following its forecast drop in earnings.
Deutsche Bank has also questioned Gunns’ ability to fund its Tamar Valley pulp mill, after the Tasmanian timber company warned of an earnings slump.
Last week, Gunns warned its before tax profit for this financial year is expected to drop about $10 million.
In a note to investors on several Australian companies, Deutsche Bank has downgraded its rating on Gunns shares from “hold” to “sell”.
Advisers for Deutsche Bank say they “struggle to see” how Gunns’ restructure will “add value” and how the company “can contribute its share of the funding” for the pulp mill.
The bank says it has concerns about Gunns’ balance sheet, despite Gunns’ assurance that it is meeting debt repayments.