Ralphs Bay community reassured by Premier’s commitment to RPDC

Save Ralphs Bay Inc welcomes Premier David Bartlett’s assurance this morning that the assessment of the proposed Walker Corporation canal estate in Ralphs Bay rests with the Resource Planning and Development Commission, and the RPDC’s decision on the matter will be respected by the State Government.

Save Ralphs Bay Inc Chair Bill Edmunds said, “We take it from this that Mr. Bartlett has issued an iron-clad guarantee that the RPDC will continue to exist for the full duration of the assessment of Walker’s proposal, regardless of the outcome of the Review of Tasmania’s planning system which is currently underway.

“In our experience of the Bruny Bioregion Inquiry, the inquisitorial approach of the RPDC ensures that all the relevant information in relation to planning decisions is actively sought by the Commission; all stakeholders can make submissions and take part in non-threatening, jargon-free Hearings without the need for legal representation, and all representations as well as the Commission’s Reports are available for inspection on the RPDC website in a timely and completely transparent manner.

“We regard it as absolutely critical that the Ralphs Bay canal estate proposal is assessed by a rigorous, fearless and utterly independent RPDC, without pressure from the State Government to reach a particular conclusion. We have been very concerned by the State Government’s actions in relation to the Bruny Bioregion Inquiry. Our challenge to the Government of Tasmania in relation to the Ralphs Bay assessment is this: ‘Hands off, and step right back. Let the RPDC do its work without fear or favour.’ It’s as simple as that.”

Media contacts: Bill Edmunds (0438 341 858) or Cassy O’Connor (0400 628 939).

ABC News link:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/06/2266780.htm?site=idx-tas
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