Pulp mill update

[xenith]

I forgot to post last Thursday when the reports on the pulp-mill were released.

Govt backs Gunns pulp mill despite guidelines not met

An environmental report into Gunns' proposed $1.5 billion pulp mill has found the development fails to meet all of Tasmania's environmental guidelines.

But the Government says the assessment of the mill will proceed.

That came as surprise to everyone, I'm sure.


Gunns welcome pulp mill reports

Gunns' chairman John Gay says they confirm the company's world's best practice approach to the development of the $1.5 billion pulp mill.

Near enough is obviously good enough.


Premier sells pulp mill safety

Greens Leader, Peg Putt has dismissed the environmental assessment.
"These reports have taken Gunns' claims as gospel," she said.


Tourism operator questions pulp mill reports

Vineyard operator Peter Whish-Wilson says [the report by] ITS points out the potential for negative regional tourism impacts, due to loss of amenity, negative visual perceptions and possible odour.

However, he says it also proposes there would be no tourism loss to the state overall, because the tourists would go elsewhere.

So it's OK because the number of tourist dollars will remain the same, even if it screws any tourist operators in the Tamar Valley? If that's the approach the state government considers acceptable...


Timber transport concerns for northern mayors

The George Town Mayor, Doug Burt, says he's pleased the State Government will continue to pressure the Commonwealth to help upgrade rail networks to take the pressure off roads.

It's not all bad then. Getting log trucks off the roads is a Good Thing.