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.

“In the lead up to, and during, the Parliamentary vote on the Ralphs Bay Project of State Significance (PoSS) and Conservation Area shrinkage attempt last year, we were repeatedly advised by the Premier, his Ministers, Liberal MPs and a number of MLCs to ‘trust the independent assessment process’, but the Lennon Government clearly has no intention of doing any such thing.

“If John Gay can sidestep a proper assessment because Gunns Ltd. has failed to meet the RPDC’s environmental guidelines and timelines, then what fast-track favour will the multi-billion dollar Walker Corporation expect from the Lennon Government?

“The Lennon Government is prepared to dismiss the extensive work already undertaken by groups such as the Australian Medical Association, the National Toxics Network and Tasmanian communities and individuals concerned about the mill proposal.  The government is clearly moving to restrict public input in the new process.  What does this say for the shape of any future Walker PoSS assessment and the community’s capacity to advocate for the priceless values of Ralphs Bay?,” Mrs MacDonald said.

SRB Inc. communications’ coordinator Cassy O’Connor, said the Premier’s willingness to pervert the assessment process at the behest of Gunns’ Ltd. sends a clear message to communities that their environment and lifestyle will always come a distant second to corporate excess.

“Democracy in this state has suffered a terrible pounding at the hands of the Lennon Government.  This is a time when concerned communities all over Tasmania have to stand together to protect what they know is good and true.  SRB Inc expresses its solidarity and support for the people of the Tamar Valley who are fighting to protect the values of their local area.

“The Premier has tainted the independence of the RPDC and dismissed its expertise in favour of a quick fix process for Gunns Ltd.  And Parliament is asked to be the ultimate font of expertise in assessing the enormous environmental, social and economic consequences of the Gunns’ mill.

“We won’t be standing by and allowing the assessment pathway for Ralphs Bay to be decided by the Premier and Lang Walker,” Ms. O’Connor said.

Save Ralphs Bay Inc. is calling on the independent Members of the Legislative Council to reject the Lennon Government’s attempt to inflict more damage on the integrity of Tasmania’s planning system.  Specifically, SRB Inc. urges Labor MLCs Lin Thorp, Allison Ritchie and Terry Martin to uphold their stated principles and protect Tasmania’s independent planning system.  The role of the Upper House in protecting democracy in Tasmania has never been more critical.

SRB Inc. will continue to campaign against the repeated efforts to undermine the environmental protection framework in Tasmania.  The group will also be seeking to discuss our concerns about the Lennon Government’s conduct with Federal Environment Minister at his earliest convenience in the lead up to the Federal Election this year.