Tamar Pulp Mill

Minister warns of tough laws for Tas pulp mill proposal

Thursday, 11 January 2007.

The Federal Environment Minister has warned the planned Tasmanian pulp mill will need to meet some of the toughest environmental laws in the country to be given the go ahead by the Federal Government.

The pulp mill assessment process was thrown into turmoil last week when the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) chairman, Julian Green, joined panellist Warwick Raverty in resigning.

Both have complained about the level of influence exerted by the Government's Pulp Mill Task Force.

Senator Campbell says both the Tasmanian Government and Gunns are aware the project needs state and federal approval.

"Clearly having down stream processing and construction of pulp, well that would be great for the economy, but it has to withstand very high tests under the federal law," he said.

A former member of the RPDC says he is not surprised by allegations of political interference in the pulp mill assessment process.

Bruce Davis was a member of the RPDC for almost a decade and retired in 2004.

Mr Davis says he is not surprised nothing changed after Mr Green approached the Premier with his concerns in 2005.

"It's been pretty obvious that the Lennon Government is hell-bent on having a pulp mill, no matter what," he said.

He says the RPDC has always been aware of the State Government's position on various projects, but does not believe political pressure has influenced previous decisions.
 
Lennon assures Gunns of pulp mill commitment

Friday, 12 January 2007.

Tasmania's Premier Paul Lennon has sought to reassure timber company Gunns of the Government's commitment to the proposed Gunns pulp mill at Bell Bay.

Mr Lennon met the head of Gunns, John Gay, earlier this week at Launceston, to discuss the implications of two high profile resignations from the Pulp Mill Assessment Panel.

Conservationists say the resignations of Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) head Julian Green and assessment panellist Warwick Raverty have cast doubt over the entire assessment process for the $1.4 billion mill.

Dr Raverty has angered Mr Gay by saying Bell Bay is one of the worst locations for a pulp mill.

Mr Gay responded with a warning that Tasmania may miss out on the mill if there are any more delays in the assessment process.

Opposition parties have been calling on Mr Lennon to break his silence and reveal what he knew about the circumstances behind the resignations.

There are reports the environmental guidelines for the mill may also be in doubt.
 
Lennon refuses to break-up pulp mill task force

Friday, 12 January 2007.

The Tasmanian Premier has defended the actions of the Government's pulp mill task force, which was set-up to promote the project.

Paul Lennon has also reaffirmed his unshakeable commitment to the proposal by Gunns Limited to develop the mill at Longreach in the north.

Mr Lennon interrupted his holidays today to break his silence on claims the Government's pulp mill task force has compromised the assessment process for the $1.4 billion project.

Former chairman of the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC), Julian Green, cited pressure from the task force as having made his position untenable.

But Mr Lennon today rejected calls for the task force to be disbanded.

"No, I won't be disbanding the pulp mill task force," he said.

"It's still got important work to do."

Earlier this week Gunns chairman John Gay threatened to take the project elsewhere if there were further delays.

Mr Lennon wants the project approved within six months

"I'm concerned about the time it's taking as well," he said.

He is taking legal advice on whether public comments by a former pulp mill panellist have compromised the approval process.
 

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