PREMIER David Bartlett used the National Press Club in Canberra yesterday as the forum to announce stage two of the National Broadband Network roll-out in Tasmania.
But both he and his advisers were tight-lipped about the real reason for the Canberra trip, which more closely resembled a deputation for federal help on major projects than a premier’s speaking engagement.
Mr Bartlett took Treasurer Michael Aird, Deputy Premier Lara Giddings and the heads of his two most influential departments – Premier and Cabinet and Economic Development – with him on the two-day mission.
He said a meeting with federal Treasurer Wayne Swan that preceded the National Press Club lunch had been a great opportunity to discuss the Tasmanian economy in general and a range of projects.
But political sources say that main topics of discussion were how the Federal Government could help the state lock in international interest in setting up a silica processing plant on the North- West Coast and financial partners in the proposed Bell Bay pulp mill.
The sources say the Federal Government could provide financial backing for major infrastructure projects in road, rail or energy that would provide valuable good news stories for Mr Bartlett before the March election.
The Federal Government could also accelerate foreign investment approval for companies wanting to set up new industry in Tasmania, such as the silica plant proposed for Port Latta or invest in the pulp mill.
Anne Layton-Bennett’s comment:
“David Bartlett is right to focus on the “Management of increasingly scarce water resources”, and “Creating sustainable and renewable energy.” but he cannot reasonably do this and still support either the proposed pulp mill, or a proposed silica plant. The first will guzzle acres of plantation trees, that will themselves suck up gallons of water, using prime agricultural land that would be of far greater value growing food. While it is suggested and feared more of our forests will be sacrificed to power the silica plant. This is neither clean, or sustainable and also risks our already threatened iconic wildlife species through the destruction of habitat. And all the while the mill will be spewing out clouds of toxic emissions into the air we all breathe, and poisonous dioxin-laden effluent into the marine system. David, this is not a clever way to manage our resources – and that includes our human resources – We can do better. A lot better. Please.”
Alison Andrews, Examiner
