Footsteps for a pulpmill-free future explores Tasmania's Tamar Valley

The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc
Media Release
17th September 2008

A three day spring tour of the Tamar Valley beginning this Friday September 19th will increase community understanding of the values of the region and highlight the threats posed by Gunns’ proposed pulp mill. The event will culminate in a community picnic at East Beach, Low Head, on Sunday with Tamar Valley resident Peter Cundall.

“This is a tour of inspection of a beautiful valley and coastline now under threat from greed-driven destruction. It’s to show why we all have no choice but to fight back,” said Mr Cundall.

The experience will begin on Friday, with a tag-along driving tour into the threatened native forests of the North East Highlands including Mt. Barrow, Mt Maurice and Mt. Victoria.

“When left unlogged, these forests protect the domestic water catchments of Launceston and represent massive banks of stored carbon, important for climate change mitigation,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society. “A native forest-fed pulp mill, as currently proposed, would drive the ongoing destruction of these critical areas of natural forest.”

On Saturday the community will explore the West Tamar with a leisurely walk along the Tamar River from Gravelly Beach to Marion’s Vineyard (approximately 10 km). The group will enjoy frequent stops to experience the abundant birdlife and spectacular views, and meet with locals working together to retain the special character of their valley. The day will end at Marion’s Vineyard for local wine and snacks at sunset.    

On Sunday the tour will journey from the picturesque Cataract Gorge and wind its way up the Tamar Valley, stopping along the way to support important emerging businesses such as vineyards, lavender farms and fruit orchards. After crossing the famous Batman Bridge and passing the site of the proposed pulp mill, the tour will finish at East Beach, Low Head. This beach overlooks the area earmarked as the dispersal zone for the mill’s toxic effluent. At Low Head, participants will join Peter Cundall in a community picnic and celebration of the special character and beauty of the Tamar Valley.

“Gunns’ pulp mill has corrupted our polity and planning processes; it has divided our community and caused the community to put their lives on hold,” said Mr Bayley. “This event is a celebration of community spirit and an exploration of what is at stake should Gunns’ pulp mill proceed. It’s also a call for the public to step up and continue the campaign to protect Tasmania’s future.

The public can participate in one, two or all three days. For further info, or to reserve a place on the bus for Friday, Saturday or Sunday please ring 03 6331 7488 or email launceston@wilderness.org.au