To progress towards a better Tasmania, TAP into a Better Tasmania strongly recommends that the Local Government of Tasmania (LGAT) demand that the State Government’s planning review process be stopped to allow a full and proper input by the public and all Local Councils.
“Highly confidential information was made available to TAP on the evening of November 10th,” stated TAP spokesperson Bob McMahon.
“The information throws up the following serious questions,” continued McMahon.
Why has Bartlett allowed work to begin on the pulp mill site when permit concerns were raised with the EPA last July?
TAP Into A Better Tasmania expressed outrage today that community concerns have again been disregarded by Tasmania's State Government.
Questions about the permit conditions for Gunns Ltd's proposed Pulp Mill were raised with the Environmental Protection Authority over three months ago, but continue to remain largely unacknowledged by David Bartlett.
The legality of land clearance beyond the permit deadlines has also been criticised by members of the University of Tasmania's Law Faculty.
"The clearing of vegetation from the mill site began in early August, and concerns were immediately expressed to the EPA, and to several key government ministers, querying the legality of the work. We are furious that despite loud warning bells, no-one was listening" said TAP spokesman Tony Saddington.
"We have concerns that site work carried out by Gunns would contravene the Pulp Mill Assessment Act, given that Gunns have cleared vegetation without the necessary permits. David Bartlett has allowed destructive land clearing to take place while ignoring the community's concerns, and with no suggestion Gunns should have penalties imposed for breaching permit conditions," he continued.
TAP said the Government should have called for an immediate suspension of work at the Long Reach site until questions relating to permit issues had been addressed.
"David Bartlett is repeating the errors of his predecessor Paul Lennon in allowing expired permits to be revived through a fast-tracked extension. That Gunns have failed to attract finance, or the interest of a Joint Venture Partner is clearly shown by David Bartlett's cynical extension of the time frame to 2011. But his decision has condemned Tamar Valley residents to a further two years of uncertainty and despair.
"If government arrogance and lack of adherence to proper process is what the community can look forward to, then our fears about this project would seem to be entirely justified. And the iniquitous PMAA prevents any right of appeal by any individual or business should the mill cause any harm whatsoever to their health or livelihoods," said Mr Saddington.
TAP is still waiting for answers to questions asked of senior ministers in relation to this issue.
TAP condemned the decision by David Bartlett's government in extending permit conditions for the proposed Gunns' Pulp mill by a further 2 years.
David Bartlett promised Tasmanians an end to the pulp mill uncertainty by Christmas last year, and suddenly with the permits expired, the ALP is now in the process of fast tracking legislation that will continue division in the community for a further 2 years said a TAP spokesman.
"We have fought against this mill for 5 years in order to keep local jobs in the Tamar valley. David Bartlett has now ensured that the community will continue the fight to protect its health, jobs and livelihood" he continued.
"We will not give up. Any potential partner, buys into extremely strong community opposition."
“A witness has reported to TAP that the graffiti on John Gay’s property was composed of some squiggles and a drawing of a penis. We have no information about the alleged ‘smoke bomb’, TAP spokesperson Bob McMahon said today.
“It was entirely predictable from past performances that fingers would be pointed at the anti-pulp mill community organization TAP, for the alleged ‘attack’ on John Gay’s house”, he said.
“And how self-serving for pulp mill supporters to do so.
“We live in a very divided community and we do well to ask ourselves how this came about and who is responsible?” he continued.
“The State Government and its proxy, Gunns Ltd, have deliberately ignored community concerns about the impact of the proposed mill on jobs, health and investments in the Tamar Valley and throughout Tasmania.
“This is toxic to community cohesion”, he said.
“In addition, the State Government in collusion with Forestry Tasmania and Gunns Ltd, has continued to operate and subsidise at public expense an outmoded monopolistic forest industry that has forced forest contractors out of business and Gunns employees onto the scrap heap.
“It’s a great credit to Tasmanians that given all the hurt and provocation they have largely avoided violence and damage to property and have not lowered themselves to the standards of the State Government and certain other players”, Mr McMahon said.
When 1pm Wednesday 19 December
Where George Town Council offices, 16 Anne St George Town.
The agenda includes the motions passed at the 27 November pulp mill public meeting and also details of the pulp mill elector poll. Unlike the 11 December council AGM, public questions period will be limited to thirty minutes.
It appears that Gunns will address the George Town Council in a closed meeting of the council the day before, on Tuesday 18 December.
When:6pm Tuesday 11th December. Perhaps get there by 5:45PM to be sure of getting in the door.
Where : George Town Council offices 16 Anne St George Town (i.e. same place as the ordinary monthly council meetings).
If you are a George Town Municipality elector, we think it would be very advantageous for you to attend the George Town Council annual general meeting where you will be able to voice your opinion and if you want, hand in a submission on the day.
We realise the meeting hasn't been advertised as widely as many electors would expect (i.e. in fact not very much at all).
TAP succeeded in increasing the number of anti mill councilors on three councils at the expense of pro mill candidates in October 2007 elections.
Launceston City Council
Of the 7 Aldermen elected to the LCC, Norton, Shipp, Ball and Nott were endorsed by the Voter's Block for being anti-mill. Jeremy Ball tripled his primary vote from last time. The others elected were Waddle, Peck and Dean. Waddle and Peck had reduced no 1 votes and only got in with preferences.
TAP Voter's Block endorsed Mayoral candidate (van Zetten) got up, as did the TAP endorsed Deputy Mayoral candidate (Armitage). There were two anti-mill mayoral candidates and their combined vote completely trounced pro-mill Ivan Dean 61% to 39%. The balance in the LCC has definitely shifted with a majority against the mill.
Public meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed pulp mill.
The meeting was called as the result of a rate payer petition.
Where: George Town Memorial Hall
Submissions: the Council will receive written submissions for or against the issue up to 5pm Wednesday 21 November
Email submissions to kayee@georgetown.tas.gov.au
Mail submissions to: General Manager, George Town Council, PO Box 161 George Town 7253
Report by Independent MLC Ruth Forrest following visit to the Nueva Aldea Mill in Chile, South America.
Ruth Forrest took 24 hours out of the official pulp mill tour to independently speak to local fishermen, wine growers and others near the Nueva Aldea pulp mill. Her report highlights significant differences between the official company view and what is happening on the ground to the local population.
Download Ruth Forrest’s report below.
Legislative Council
Michael Aird
Level 9 15 Murray Street Hobart 7000.
Kerry Finch
One Civic Square Launceston 7250.
Ivan Dean
One Civic Square Launceston 7250.
Ruth Forrest
PO Box 104 Wynyard 7325.
Greg Hall
PO Box 361 Deloraine 7304.
Paul Harriss
Parliament House Hobart 7000.
Norma Jamieson
Shop 3 Lauriston Arcade 126 Best Street Devonport 7310.
Terry Martin
353A Main Road Glenorchy 7010.
Doug Parkinson
Parliament House Hobart 7000.
Tania Rattray-Wagner
16c King Street Scottsdale 7260.
Sue Smith
PO Box 179 Ulverstone 7315.
Allison Ritchie
Suite 3/90 Clarence Street Bellerive, 7018.
Download submissions made to the Launceston City Council by rate payers re the proposed pulp mill for the June 07 meeting at the Albert Hall, Launceston. Note the large size of the file (1.93 mb).
TAP is a non-party political movement. Voters who have added their names to the Voters Block have pledged not to vote for a local, state or federal candidates who support Gunns proposed pulp mill in the Tamar valley. The Voters Block has over 23 700 names and has surpassed the original target of 22 000. The number is growing daily and the new target is 28 000. Send an email to tapcontact@gmail.com for further information about the Voters Block.
