Burke delays pulp mill decision

This week, the Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke delayed the decision on the possible granting of an operating licence for the proposed Tamar Valley Pulp Mill.

Great Western Tiers, Tasmania. Photo: Rob Blakers

The Wilderness Society continues to oppose the Tamar Valley pulp mill based on:

• deep concerns over the potential supply of wood from native forests
  
• the mill’s expected impact on the marine environment
  
• the quantity of fresh water to be used in the mill
  
• its inappropriate location
  
• and the discredited, fast-track planning process
  

Despite some recent possible improvements to the pulp mill proposal, the current proposal still does not have broad community support within the Tamar Valley or Tasmania.

This is due to the original and deeply flawed planning process being fast tracked by the Tasmanian Government and the timber company Gunns.

Gunns’ recent commitment to only use plantation timber for the mill’s wood supply is a step in the right direction.

Key issues about the environmental impacts of the mill and lack of community support remain unresolved and need to be addressed by the Tasmanian Government and Gunns.

The Tasmanian Government must ensure an open, fair and transparent process for any proposed pulp mill.