The Wilderness Society opposes EPA decision on the pulp mill

Media Release
The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.
28 September 2011

The Wilderness Society today condemned the EPA Director Alex Schaap’s decision that there has been ‘substantial commencement’ of the pulp mill project and that permits under the fast-tracked Pulp Mill Assessment Act remain valid.

“While we reject the validity of the state-based assessment process in the first place, this decision adds to the process failure by recognising a range of procedural and other costs as evidence of the project’s commencement,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society.

“We do not believe that site clearing, one day of bulk earthworks and the purchase of some components represents a start on a project, particularly when it has consistently failed to attract the finance necessary to take it to completion.”

“This project fails to enjoy a social licence and the perception that it has received another free kick by a regulatory body will do nothing to enhance its standing in the community.”

Mr Bayley noted that Mr Schaap’s statement appeared contradictory. While Mr Schaap stated it was ‘evident’ there were doubts about the validity of the permits he was only prepared to clarify the issue in court should he conclude they were ‘reasonable doubts’.

Local community group Pulp the Mill will be testing the notion of ‘substantial commencement’ in court.

“In this situation, if the permit is not to be terminated it should be tested in court, however once again it is a community group who is forced to seek a court ruling due to a process failure,” continued Mr Bayley.

“The Wilderness Society will continue to oppose the Tamar Valley pulp mill by standing in solidarity with the community, assisting with campaign activities and communicating its opposition to potential joint venture partners.”

“At a time when Tasmania has the opportunity to create a new, conflict-free timber industry, building that new industry around the most divisive and controversial project the state has seen for several decades does not make any sense.”

For more information contact: Vica Bayley - 0400 644 939