How will the
proposed pulp mill
affect Tasmanians?
For many years – more than I can remember – the debate between the environment and development has divided Tasmania. In fact it’s the reason we control Tasmania and why we successfully reduced the size of the Parliament.
We can have the best of both worlds. That’s code for, ‘I can have my way and you can do nothing about it’.
New technology and scientific progress tell us we can. That means – the type of technology and science that gives my friend, John and I the progress we want for Tasmania.
The Government has received two independent reports that tell us we can have a world-class pulp mill that’s good for our economy and safe for the environment.
I tell a lie, it wasn’t the Government that received these two reports, it was me and John. But it’s true to say that Tasmanian taxpayers are paying for them.
Some little smart-arses are going around calling my Government, a Gunnament. All I could can say is yeah, too right… we’re Gunna!
The expert Scandinavian scientists from SWECO PIC found that the pulp mill can proceed and have recommended additional operating conditions.They felt they could give us a final report that we’d like. .
The Government accepts SWECO PIC’s report in full. That means we say we accept it in full but it really means bugger all! It sounds good.
We will insist that all the recommendations and conditions of the independent scientists be part of the approvals and licences. I’ve been quite firm with John on this one. I needed to show real firmness and being the bloke John is, he slapped me on the back and bought me a beer. Howzat for co-operation and compliance?
Independent analysts ITS Global found significant social and economic benefits for Tasmania. They concluded that the overall net benefit would be positive and high during the construction, the operational phase and over the long term. I haven’t mentioned the costs to society, the economy or the environment ‘cause my minders said it wouldn’t be too flattering.
Tasmania can have a strong economy with a modern and safe pulp mill and maintain our unique environment and quality of life.Sorry but that wasn’t it’s not part of the plan, so we having John’s pulp mill instead.
And that’s the great news – for Tasmanian businesses, Tasmanian jobs, Tasmanian families – and the Tasmanian environment. Tasmanians can take this sort of great news. As for the pollution in our air, water and ocean……just get over it!
The independent reports detail a way forward for sensible development in Tasmania but the decision to proceed is not mine. Jeez, I had a hard time swallowing that line when Rod showed me. ‘Course it bloody well IS MY decision…. [don’t tell John or the rest of my mob that I said that].
At the end of August, the Tasmanian Parliament will decide whether a world-class pulp mill can be part of our future. As far as I’m concerned it’s in the bag and Betfair knows where I’ve got my money.
I know that it is a very important issue for many Tasmanians, I hope that the information in this insert answers some of the questions that you have. I also know there’s heaps of anti-mill Tasmanians and they know that I couldn’t care less what they think.
I encourage you to consider the benefits (but please not the costs!) of a modern and safe pulp mill for Tasmania.
[P.S. John liked it]
Signed
Paul Lennon,
Premier
and Henry Melville
