Southern Beaches Conservation Society (SBCS), President Angela Marsh, is hopeful that at
least one government department now understands the future toxic legacy and lack of
merit in burying hazardous waste at Copping, following the Regional Development
Australia Fund’s (RDAF) rejection of the Tasman Council application on behalf of Southern
Waste Solutions (SWS).

“Whilst our campaign against this third world disposal method is far from over, we are
celebrating this first chink in SWS’ plan to develop a 300,000 tonne hazardous waste
dump in a catchment area that may eventually leach into the Bruny Bio-region,” says Ms
Marsh.

“It was laughable to hear Ms Bell from SWS today (12/06/13) say she has had supportive
comments from locals saying ‘get on with it’. Who are these so-called locals? The only
supportive comments we ever hear are from those with vested interests such as council
shareholders and SWS themselves.”

The stance of SWS in making application to this community development fund (albeit via
Tasman Council) is also questionable.

“The crux of the matter comes back to one point,” says Ms Marsh. “There are alternative
ways to deal with the bulk of these 300,000 tonnes of waste due to come from Antartica
as well as Tasmania. For instance, the Hobart Railyards waste can be remediated on site.”

“Technologies exist, can be employed and will give all of Tasmania a better outcome.”

We would like council shareholders in the Copping Tip to enact their power to instruct
their own company, SWS, to halt plans to construct the C Cell at Copping until such time
that the National Waste Policy 2009 is implemented in Tasmania. This will enable ALL
OTHER AVENUES in line with the Policy to be exhausted before this last resort solution is
reconsidered.

Any other approach is a blatant rush for a cheap, misinformed solution to a very real
problem, by an organisation that will not consider any other method of disposal except
for a hole in the ground which will inevitably leak and cause problems for future
generations.”

Ms Marsh thanked the thousands of supporters in the campaign to overturn this C Cell
approval. To date over 1700 residents petitioned the Sorell Council, over 2500 letters
were sent to the RDAF and Federal Ministers, as well as 100’s who took part in online
petitions.

“This is a real grass roots campaign supported by real people with very real concerns.
And just as importantly they are people who are open to exploring waste management
alternatives for all of Tasmania.”
Southern Beaches Conservation Society (SBCS), President Angela Marsh