Is There A Way Out Of The Tasmanian Pulp Mill Mess?

There’s been much talk about last night’s 4 Corners report by Liz Jackson on the highly controversial approval process for Australia’s biggest pulp mill in Tasmania this morning.

Today we received this email from one of our frustrated readers, Greg Packer who asks if we have any contacts who “have the power” to make sure the mill goes through normal and above procedures.

Indeed we do.

OUR READERS!

If you have any thoughts on this issue or generally on the relationships between big business and governments please feel free to leave a comment below the letter or email us to the email address on the left hand side of this page.

I have just finished watching a 4 Corners story on the proposed new pulp mill to be built in Tassie’s Tamar valley.

The subject of the story really moved me, and I thought what can I possibly do about this, probably nothing, then I thought of Dick Smith.

I am not that good with the internet and upon searching found your site, and thought that you may have the know how or skill to forward this to the right people.

If so could you please implore them to have a look at the 4 Corners story.

I am not for or against the mill but I am appalled at the deviant process the Tasmanian Government has taken in getting the development this far.

They have shortcut the whole development process, passing laws that bypass what normal proceedures and research would have to be undertaken.

Without these independent tests and procedures we could end up with an ecological nightmare in what must be a now pristine environmental.

I must reiterate that provided the claims are proven correct from the company (Gunns), I would have no objection to the development but on the information provided from them and their reluctance to provide proven scientific results to the authorities I tend not to believe a word they say.

If you could please pass this thought onto someone with the necessary power to try and have this development go through the normal proceedures it would be greatly appreciated.

If not, if you know of a relevant web site contact I would appreciate it.

I’m sure if Mr. Smith was made aware of the political interference in this development he would act to make sure the project was not approved until a proper and transparent process was instigated.

Any ideas?