Download the new SRB newsletter (April 2007) - “LENNON’S CONTEMPT FOR DUE PROCESS BAD NEWS FOR DEMOCRACY AND COASTLINE”.

Download a higher resolution PDF version here (617KB)
Download a lower resolution PDF version here (217KB)

The Lennon Government’s total contempt for State and Commonwealth environmental law, democracy and Tasmania’s independent planning system has set the alarm bells clanging for the Ralphs Bay community as it should for communities all over the state, Save Ralphs Bay Inc. said today.

SRB Inc Acting Chair Jane MacDonald said any confidence the group had in a fair and just assessment for the Walker Corporation canal estate proposal was fast evaporating.

The debacle over Julian Green and Dr Warwick Raverty’s resignations from the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) has thrown serious doubt over the integrity of the RPDC process not just for the pulp mill assessment, but for residents opposed to the destruction of the Ralphs Bay Conservation Area, and other community groups representing their concerns before the Commission.

In a joint statement today, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Save Ralphs Bay Inc. and the Tasmanian Beekeepers’ Association said the Lennon Government had corrupted the planning process by meddling in the work of the Commission, while at the same time assuring concerned communities to have faith in the ‘independent umpire’.

Download a PDF version of the media release here (65kb)

Planning Minister Steve Kons has demonstrated his lack of understanding of the damage caused by canal estate developments, a careless disregard for coastal values in Tasmania, and a clear willingness to ignore the advice of the State Government’s independent umpire, Save Ralphs Bay Inc. said today.

SRB Inc. Chair Bill Edmunds said the Minister has rejected the Resource Planning and Development Commission’s (RPDC) recommendation that it should assess SRB Inc.’s Draft Planning Directive proposing a statewide canal estate ban in local planning schemes.

Our November 2006 newsletter is out - THREE GOOD WAYS TO HELP SAVE RALPHS BAY

You can download the newsletter as a 136Kb PDF here.

The Ralphs Bay, Tasmania 2007 calendar and cards from Save Ralphs Bay Inc. are on sale now!

Save Ralphs Bay Inc has produced a stylish 2007 Calendar plus cards featuring iconic images of our precious bay and its wildlife just in time for Christmas and gifts.  Sales of this calendar and cards will help with our continuing fundraising efforts for Save Ralphs Bay Inc.

You can download a PDF preview version of the calendar here (NOTE THIS IS A 1.7MB PDF DOWNLOAD) and a PDF preview of the cards here (NOTE THIS IS A 307KB PDF DOWNLOAD).

The calendar and cards are available directly from Save Ralphs Bay:

DOWNLOAD THE ORDER FORM HERE - 184KB PDF

and is available online for credit card users via the ThisTasmania store.

The calendar is also now available from selected outlets around Tasmania (such as Fullers, Book City, Angus & Robertsons, Hobart Book Shop, Wilderness Shop Salamanca, plus shops around Lauderdale, Cremorne, and the South Arm Peninsula) but to avoid disappointment please use the order form and we will ensure that you will receive your calendar and/or card order by return post.

Also - Why not help the Bay and sell to your friends and colleagues? Simply download the ‘Your Organisation’ order form (221KB PDF), take the orders, collect the funds, and email us for a calendar delivery to your nominated Hobart address. For organisations outside of Hobart, we will arrange something by phone.

You can email us about these and other sales matters at .

Our October 2006 newsletter is out - COMMUNITY TO FIGHT FOR RALPHS BAY IN THE R.P.D.C.

You can download the newsletter as a 352Kb PDF here.

The Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) has recommended to Planning Minister, Steve Kons, that an assessment should be undertaken into a statewide canal estate ban across local government planning schemes.

Under the Land Use Planning Approvals Act (LUPAA) 1993, Save Ralphs Bay Inc. lodged a Draft Planning Directive with the RPDC in August to prohibit canal estates in Tasmania, consistent with a canal estate ban in the Kingborough Planning Scheme 2000 (see attached).  Under LUPAA, the RPDC is required to work towards consistency across Tasmania’s local government planning schemes and Save Ralphs Bay Inc argues that the bar now needs to be set higher in order to protect Tasmania’s coastal values.

If implemented, this Draft Planning Directive would not affect the Walker Project of State Signficance (PoSS) assessment for Tasmania’s first canal estate development, in Ralphs Bay.  A PoSS over-rides local government planning schemes.  It would however, set an important benchmark for future coastal management in Tasmania.