John Day’s article “Gunns — Why they will never find a gullible financier” argues that the pulp mill project will not find a financial backer because the project does not meet the conditions of the Equator Principles, adopted by various financial institutions around the world.
It is agreed by all relevant parties that this mill proposal, according to Equator Principle 1, is classified as Category A, defined as having: “…potential significant adverse social or environmental impacts that are diverse, irreversible or unprecedented” unless a number of factors were met:
1 best available technology for project design,
2 principles of sustainable forestry management &
3 the use of appropriate mitigating measures to minimise the impact in the social and environmental areas.
The thrust of John Day’s article is that under Principle 1 of the Equator Principles, and given that it is admitted that the project risks adverse social or environmental impacts that are diverse, irreversible or unprecedented, the project proposal fails to meet the following of the Equator Principles:
2 Social and Environmental Assessment
3 Applicable Social and Environmental Standards
5 Consultation and Disclosure
6 Grievance Mechanisms
9 Independent Monitoring and Reporting
John Day’s letter to Warren Jones (EPA) [ http://tapvision.info/node/604 ], 4th Sept 2009, addresses these issues in detail and asks Warren Jones as a consequence of these concerns “that you do not approve the Pulp Mill Design document”. John also sent a copy to Michael Aird, the Minister for Economic Development. Readers may have already noted today that the Minister has undertaken a trip to Europe where it seems one of his intentions is to spruik up the mill.
1 Where is Mr Bartlett’s miserable line in the sand?
2 Where is his promise to Tasmanians that his government would do no more to advance the mill project?
3 Why did Sodra, rumoured potential Joint Venture Partners, pull out of a briefing from Bob McMahon yesterday, as it seems Mr Aird was preparing to wing his way Europewards?
4 What are Sodra’s social and environmental requirements for a mill proposal such as ours?
Tasmanians are still waiting for answers.
This comment appears HERE. Comment HERE
Garry Stannus
