Pulp mill rebuffed by West Tamar Council: eight votes to nil against pipeline

The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc
Media Release  
21 October 2008

The eight-votes-to-nil votes against the pulp-mill pipeline by the West Tamar Council is a massive rebuff for Gunns, according to the Wilderness Society.

In the wake of the Council’s decision, the Society today called on Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett to follow the wishes of the Tasmanian public and end all government support for the pulp mill.

 “The West Tamar Council has voted unanimously not to allow Gunns to build the pulp-mill pipeline on Council land. This is a victory for the majority of Tasmanians who are opposed to Gunns’ pulp mill,” said Mr Paul Oosting, pulp-mill campaigner for The Wilderness Society.

“Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Premier David Bartlett now need to abide by the wishes of the people and stop Gunns’ pulp mill,” said Mr Oosting.

“Premier Bartlett has drawn a line in the sand saying that there would be no further government support for Gunns’ pulp mill. The West Tamar vote makes it easier for him to stand by that pledge,” said Mr Oosting.

“Similarly, Mr Garrett should grant no further approvals or extensions for Gunns’ pulp-mill plans.”