written by:Bill Edmunds, SRB Chair - Cassy O'Connor, SRB Communications - Jane MacDonald, SRB Submissions' Coordinator

The community group formed in March 2004, Save Ralphs Bay Inc (SRB), congratulates the RPDC for its rigorous and comprehensive Guidelines for the assessment of the Walker Corporation’s proposed canal estate development in the Ralphs Bay Conservation Area.

SRB calls on the Walker Corporation to make a public commitment to the PoSS process conducted by the RPDC for the assessment of its proposed canal estate development.

SRB calls on Walker to provide a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous and truthful IIS that addresses the Guidelines in detail.

SRB calls on the Minister responsible for the PoSS, the Premier, Paul Lennon, to allow the RPDC to conduct a comprehensive, rigorous assessment of the proposed development without interference.

SRB calls on the Minister responsible for the PoSS, the Premier, Paul Lennon, to make clear to the Tasmanian community and to the proponent that there will be no fast tracking of this assessment; no corruption of the RPDC process; no quick fixes for special mates.

SRB calls on the Premier to make a public commitment that he will abide by the RPDC’s final recommendation on the proposed development, even though the legislation allows him to ignore the RPDC’s recommendation if he chooses.

SRB calls on the elected representatives of the Lauderdale and South Arm Peninsula community - Paula Wriedt, Lara Giddings, Lin Thorp and Will Hodgman, to pledge themselves to protect community and environmental values in the Ralphs Bay area.

SRB notes that the sham “shelving” of the Walker proposal in the lead-up to last year’s state election, followed by the proposal’s reappearance after the election is a disturbing indication of the contempt in which the Premier has previously held his constituents.

SRB wonders why, exactly, the Walker Corporation has already bought property in the township of Lauderdale, if it has not received assurances from the State government in relation to its proposed development.

SRB calls on the Walker Corporation and the State Government to make public any commitments already made in relation to the proposed development.

SRB remains committed to defeating the Walker Corporation’s push to devastate the Lauderdale sandflats and the web of life sustained by them.

SRB reminds the Tasmanian community that the proposed development, if approved, would be the first Gold Coast style canal estate in Tasmania, and would set a dangerous precedent for the remainder of Tasmania’s precious coastline.

Canal estates are banned in New South Wales because they are so environmentally destructive and economically costly.

Posted by Lang Webmaster on 09/02 at 03:07 AM
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