The Pulp Mill

We have all been affected in some way or other by the proposed Pulp Mill which is planned for the Tamar Valley. Provisional approval has been given for the mill by both the State and Federal Governments. What has concerned us all as residents and business operators is the lack of research into the long-term ramifications of such an enterprise. The proponents see it this as being good for the economy of Tasmania and for employment, but what else?

• What will happen to our roads with the increased traffic?
• What will happen to the established tourism businesses in this valley?
• Who exactly are the people that will be employed as a result of the mill and in what jobs?
• Who are the shareholders who will benefit from the mill?  Do they live in Tasmania?
• Are we honestly going the have the resources to feed such a hungry mill?
• Why are we allowing the mill to source so much of our valuable fresh water as part of processing, when we are talking of climate change and its consequences?

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These are questions whose answers we should be able to understand had they been provided.

• Are our old growth forests going to become fodder for this giant machine?
• What will happen to our island if forest plantations increase and farming communities disappear?
• What exactly will be pumped into Bass Strait and why should it be, and what will it do to the marine environment?
• According to most reports, pulp mills by nature, let off rogue emissions and smells – is this mill going to be any different?
• If the mill is built, what are our safeguards and what redress do we have if things go wrong?

Only a very few people with special expertise may to be able to provide some of these answers, where are they and where are the answers?

Most of all what has happened to the democratic process?