- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 55
Minister warns of tough laws for Tas pulp mill proposal
Thursday, 11 January 2007.
The Federal Environment Minister has warned the planned Tasmanian pulp mill will need to meet some of the toughest environmental laws in the country to be given the go ahead by the Federal Government.
The pulp mill assessment process was thrown into turmoil last week when the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) chairman, Julian Green, joined panellist Warwick Raverty in resigning.
Both have complained about the level of influence exerted by the Government's Pulp Mill Task Force.
Senator Campbell says both the Tasmanian Government and Gunns are aware the project needs state and federal approval.
"Clearly having down stream processing and construction of pulp, well that would be great for the economy, but it has to withstand very high tests under the federal law," he said.
A former member of the RPDC says he is not surprised by allegations of political interference in the pulp mill assessment process.
Bruce Davis was a member of the RPDC for almost a decade and retired in 2004.
Mr Davis says he is not surprised nothing changed after Mr Green approached the Premier with his concerns in 2005.
"It's been pretty obvious that the Lennon Government is hell-bent on having a pulp mill, no matter what," he said.
He says the RPDC has always been aware of the State Government's position on various projects, but does not believe political pressure has influenced previous decisions.
Thursday, 11 January 2007.
The Federal Environment Minister has warned the planned Tasmanian pulp mill will need to meet some of the toughest environmental laws in the country to be given the go ahead by the Federal Government.
The pulp mill assessment process was thrown into turmoil last week when the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) chairman, Julian Green, joined panellist Warwick Raverty in resigning.
Both have complained about the level of influence exerted by the Government's Pulp Mill Task Force.
Senator Campbell says both the Tasmanian Government and Gunns are aware the project needs state and federal approval.
"Clearly having down stream processing and construction of pulp, well that would be great for the economy, but it has to withstand very high tests under the federal law," he said.
A former member of the RPDC says he is not surprised by allegations of political interference in the pulp mill assessment process.
Bruce Davis was a member of the RPDC for almost a decade and retired in 2004.
Mr Davis says he is not surprised nothing changed after Mr Green approached the Premier with his concerns in 2005.
"It's been pretty obvious that the Lennon Government is hell-bent on having a pulp mill, no matter what," he said.
He says the RPDC has always been aware of the State Government's position on various projects, but does not believe political pressure has influenced previous decisions.