Here is the online copy of the first edition [Summer 09/2010] of TAP's newspaper. You can download a pdf of the four A3 sized pages at the bottom and print off copies.
Its purpose is to detail in newspaper format how the proposed pulp mill, the fourth-largest kraft pulp mill in the world, threatens the health, jobs, lifestyle and investments of the community.
Introduction - Why jobs?
Creation of new jobs is the central pillar in the case for winning the hearts and minds of Tasmanians for Gunns’ proposed pulp mill. Gunns’ CEO John Gay said the “mill would create jobs and long-term job security for a significant part of Tasmania's workforce” [1]. This position is echoed by the Forest Industry Association of Tasmania chairman, CFMEU forestry division, Timber Communities Australia, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and both Liberal and Labor parties, as well as some northern council mayors.
The promise of thousands of new jobs helped ex-Premier Paul Lennon justify rescuing the ‘critically non compliant’ Gunns pulp mill in 2007 with a special act of Parliament, the Pulp Mill Assessment Act (PMAA). The other main pillar of support for quickly passing the PMAA, the urgency of Gunns’ commercial needs, has now been discredited. However, the creation of new jobs remains as the central justification for the project by Liberal and Labor. Labor is positioning itself for the 2010 March election as the pro-jobs party and the Greens as anti-jobs.
What we are asked to believe
There are several competing stories around the pulp mill proposal that we are asked to believe. We can choose to believe Gunns’ PR man Matt Horan, who says it will create 2000 construction jobs [2], or we can believe Gunns’ secret advice to the George Town Council engineer that only 1250 building workers are needed [3]. We can choose to believe Horan that the pulp mill will create “about 16,000 jobs in the future," [4] or we can believe consultant ITS Global that it will create only 292 direct long term jobs [5].
We can believe Gunns’ stated wishes that underskilled Tasmanians with no experience in pulp mills will get preference over skilled outsiders from interstate or the thousands of overseas experienced pulp workers who have been made redundant in the global downturn. Further, we can believe that the fourth largest kraft chemical pulp mill in the world will happily co-exist with fishing, tourism and nature-based activities, boutique wineries, organic food producers and farming [6].
We are also asked to believe the Liberal and Labor story that Tasmania as a provider of undifferentiated bulk commodities is better than one based on the State’s distinctive and unique attributes that give businesses in tourism, fishing, wineries, organic foods, and others a competitive edge.
The consequences of choosing to believe the wrong story are serious. So what are the job facts and which story stands up?
Open letter by Buck and Joan Emberg, Co-Chairs of the Voters’ Block, Tasmanians Against the Pulpmill (TAP) to all candidates in forthcoming elections (Legislative Council, - May 09, local councils - October 09, state - March 2010, federal - 2010).
January 2009
TO: Charles/Charlotte Blog MHA (all federal, state and/or local politicians and possible candidates).
FROM: Buck and Joan Emberg, Co-Chairs of the Voters’ Block, Tasmanians Against the Pulpmill (TAP)
Dear Ms/Mr Blog,
Do not take this letter personally, although it will probably have an effect upon you in some way, large or small.
“Highly confidential information was made available to TAP on the evening of November 10th,” stated TAP spokesperson Bob McMahon.
“The information throws up the following serious questions,” continued McMahon.
Why has Bartlett allowed work to begin on the pulp mill site when permit concerns were raised with the EPA last July?
TAP Into A Better Tasmania expressed outrage today that community concerns have again been disregarded by Tasmania's State Government.
Questions about the permit conditions for Gunns Ltd's proposed Pulp Mill were raised with the Environmental Protection Authority over three months ago, but continue to remain largely unacknowledged by David Bartlett.
The legality of land clearance beyond the permit deadlines has also been criticised by members of the University of Tasmania's Law Faculty.
"The clearing of vegetation from the mill site began in early August, and concerns were immediately expressed to the EPA, and to several key government ministers, querying the legality of the work. We are furious that despite loud warning bells, no-one was listening" said TAP spokesman Tony Saddington.
"We have concerns that site work carried out by Gunns would contravene the Pulp Mill Assessment Act, given that Gunns have cleared vegetation without the necessary permits. David Bartlett has allowed destructive land clearing to take place while ignoring the community's concerns, and with no suggestion Gunns should have penalties imposed for breaching permit conditions," he continued.
TAP said the Government should have called for an immediate suspension of work at the Long Reach site until questions relating to permit issues had been addressed.
"David Bartlett is repeating the errors of his predecessor Paul Lennon in allowing expired permits to be revived through a fast-tracked extension. That Gunns have failed to attract finance, or the interest of a Joint Venture Partner is clearly shown by David Bartlett's cynical extension of the time frame to 2011. But his decision has condemned Tamar Valley residents to a further two years of uncertainty and despair.
"If government arrogance and lack of adherence to proper process is what the community can look forward to, then our fears about this project would seem to be entirely justified. And the iniquitous PMAA prevents any right of appeal by any individual or business should the mill cause any harm whatsoever to their health or livelihoods," said Mr Saddington.
TAP is still waiting for answers to questions asked of senior ministers in relation to this issue.
TAP condemned the decision by David Bartlett's government in extending permit conditions for the proposed Gunns' Pulp mill by a further 2 years.
David Bartlett promised Tasmanians an end to the pulp mill uncertainty by Christmas last year, and suddenly with the permits expired, the ALP is now in the process of fast tracking legislation that will continue division in the community for a further 2 years said a TAP spokesman.
"We have fought against this mill for 5 years in order to keep local jobs in the Tamar valley. David Bartlett has now ensured that the community will continue the fight to protect its health, jobs and livelihood" he continued.
"We will not give up. Any potential partner, buys into extremely strong community opposition."
“A witness has reported to TAP that the graffiti on John Gay’s property was composed of some squiggles and a drawing of a penis. We have no information about the alleged ‘smoke bomb’, TAP spokesperson Bob McMahon said today.
“It was entirely predictable from past performances that fingers would be pointed at the anti-pulp mill community organization TAP, for the alleged ‘attack’ on John Gay’s house”, he said.
“And how self-serving for pulp mill supporters to do so.
“We live in a very divided community and we do well to ask ourselves how this came about and who is responsible?” he continued.
“The State Government and its proxy, Gunns Ltd, have deliberately ignored community concerns about the impact of the proposed mill on jobs, health and investments in the Tamar Valley and throughout Tasmania.
“This is toxic to community cohesion”, he said.
“In addition, the State Government in collusion with Forestry Tasmania and Gunns Ltd, has continued to operate and subsidise at public expense an outmoded monopolistic forest industry that has forced forest contractors out of business and Gunns employees onto the scrap heap.
“It’s a great credit to Tasmanians that given all the hurt and provocation they have largely avoided violence and damage to property and have not lowered themselves to the standards of the State Government and certain other players”, Mr McMahon said.
At the time of the Nov 07 federal election the Voters Block listed 15000 voters who pledged not to support any political candidate who favoured the pulp mill. Both Labor and Liberal parties supported the pulp mill whilst the Greens and several independents were strongly opposed.
Federal election results for Tasmania
In the Senate, the Greens vote reached the Senate quota barrier of 14.2% for the first time and may reach 18% or more than 50,000 as counting continues.
You can download the file 'How to vote against the pulp mill in federal elections.pdf' and take with you to the polling booth.
House of Representatives
Lyons
3 C. E. C.
2 Cassidy
1 Quin
4 Family First
6 Labor
5 Liberal
Bass
2 Wiener
4 C. E. C.
6 Labor
1 Millen
5 Family First
3 Bennett
7 Liberal
Braddon
4 Family First
6 Liberal
1 O’Halloran
5 Labor
2 Dick
3 L. D. P.
Franklin
What: Rally and march at Franklin Square, Hobart.
When: 12.30pm Saturday 17th November.
Why: To call on the elected government to stop the pulp mill. Geoff Cousins and Richard Flanagan to speak.
Organisers: The Wilderness Society
Contact Sarah by email sarah.truscott@wilderness.org.au or in the campaign centre on 03 6331 7488.
The expanding area of plantations intended to feed the proposed pulp mill, is already having a major impact on the state.
Water
Are MIS plantation operators and finance industry donations to major political parties driving the conversion of farmland to trees at taxpayers expense?
Here is how it works.
Report by Independent MLC Ruth Forrest following visit to the Nueva Aldea Mill in Chile, South America.
Ruth Forrest took 24 hours out of the official pulp mill tour to independently speak to local fishermen, wine growers and others near the Nueva Aldea pulp mill. Her report highlights significant differences between the official company view and what is happening on the ground to the local population.
Download Ruth Forrest’s report below.
