DOVER REJECTS WATERLOO BAY DEVELOPMENT

A public meeting in Dover this evening called to discuss the proposed Bulk Marine Transport Development for Waterloo Bay and the lower Channel was attended by 80 local residents, representing a broad cross section of the community, who overwhelmingly passed the following resolution in opposition to the proposal:

“This meeting opposes the development of a Bulk Marine Transport Facility at Waterloo Bay in the Huon Valley. Neither the Development Application nor the Planning Scheme Amendment is supported.

We call on all public authorities including the Huon Valley Council, Tasmanian Planning Commission, Marine and Safety Tasmania, the Ports Authority, Department of State Growth, Crown Lands Department, and any others with a decision-making authority with this project to reject it.”

Discussion highlighted concerns about residential amenity, truck traffic dangers, visual and noise impacts, marine safety and impacts on water quality in the Huon River. The proposal to moor a woodchip carrier in Southport Bay was met with alarm and disbelief. The implications of the potential export of large volumes of woodchips on contentious native forests in the south, including the Huon and Florentine Valleys were also of concern.

Residents were angry about inadequate notice from the developer and short timeframe for public submissions – due 15th November to Huon Valley Council.
Peg Putt