The community group charged with preventing Tasmania’s first canal housing estate from being constructed inside the Ralphs Bay Conservation Area today expressed its belief that the Walker Corporation can be defeated in the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC).

Responding to the release late yesterday of the RPDC Draft Scope Guidelines and the developer’s Project Scope, Save Ralphs Bay (SRB) Inc. said while the group still did not believe the Walker proposal should even be in the formal planning system, now that the assessment is underway SRB Inc. will invest all its available time, money and human resources in beating billionaire Lang Walker’s plan.

“While the developer’s Project Scope reveals the Walker proposal to be as obnoxious, ugly and un-Tasmanian as it ever was, our preliminary examination of the RPDC Draft Guidelines has lifted our spirits as they appear to be quite rigorous and comprehensive. “ SRB Inc. communications coordinator Cassy O’Connor said.

“We will be seeking expert and scientific advice to identify any deficiencies, but it does look like our key concerns are addressed in the Draft Guidelines.  These include the potential for heavy metal contamination of the River Derwent, threats to migratory and resident shorebirds and the critically endangered Spotted Handfish, the value of saltmarsh habitats, community and aesthetic impacts.  The proponent is also expected to explain why it thinks Ralphs Bay is a suitable site for a housing development, and whether there is actually any need for such a development in the Clarence Municipality and greater Hobart.  SRB Inc. awaits with great interest the proponent’s honest response to these questions,” Ms. O’Connor said.

Walker Corporation will also be required to detail how the proposal complies with international agreements and Australian, Tasmania and local Government policies and strategies. 

These include:

* The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR)

* Migratory bird agreements with Japan, China and the Republic of Korea

* The National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development

* The National Oceans Policy

* Commonwealth Coastal Policy

* Tasmanian State Coastal Policy 1996

* State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997

* Tasmania’s Nature Conservation Strategy 2002 - 2006

* Tasmanian Environment Protection Policy 2004

SRB Inc. Chair Bill Edmunds said it is extremely important that all Tasmanians who love their unspoiled bays and beaches do take an interest and become involved in the assessment process.

“This is a public process and one that we respect.  Our group has a huge amount of work to do in the weeks and months ahead, but we are committed to see this job through no matter how long it takes.

“The battle for Ralphs Bay will be complex and costly.  Every Tasmanian who cares for our coasts, our communities, and our democracy has an opportunity via the RPDC assessment process to step up, be heard, and help send Sydney billionaire Lang Walker packing,” Mr Edmunds said.