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.