its over,gunns won it

Section 11 of the PMAA and the less understood sections 8and 9,

Like it or not,the 2007 Act as I see it is the legislation that at this time makes it water tight,in all aspects whether the ground is turned or if the jetty or holding dams are built or not




No hitch with permits, says Gunns
Updated August 30, 2011 12:32:24 ABC NEWS

The permits for the company's $2.3 billion mill will expire tomorrow unless "substantial" work has started.

Gunns' CEO Greg L'Estrange has denied heavy equipment moved on-site recently is a last-ditch effort to meet permit conditions.

"We received the hydrodynamic modelling, received the harmonisation of the permits some six weeks ago, so again, all of those things are in program," he said.

"It's a very large project and this is one of those steps in bringing it to its final position."

The Director of the Environment Protection Authority says he will be left to decide whether Gunns is meeting permit conditions.

Alex Schaap says he will speak to Gunns and take legal advice before he makes a decision, although it could be brought before the courts.

Legal advice plea
A plea for the Tasmanian Government to end confusion over the permits has gone unanswered.

Greens MP Kim Booth has told parliament he had received advice over the legality of the permits and what would happen when the deadline expired.

"Our advice is that the day is today, the 30th of August, with expiry occurring at midnight," he said.

"Further, Attorney, our advice states that the Attorney-General has the right to bring proceddings to the civil court to seek an injunction or declaration when public rights are effected.

"Will you, Attorney, seek a declaration from the courts on the matter of substantial commencement and the status of the pulp mill permit?"

Attorney-General Brian Wightman says the director of the EPA has stated publicly that he does not believe the permits have lapsed.

But he says defining "substantial commencement" could become a legal matter.

"In the independant statutory role, the director has also said if the determination of susbtantial commencement becomes necessary, he will seek the necessary legal advice."

Bob McMahon from the group Against the Pulp Mill believes the company has not met the criteria and the project should be legally dead by midnight tomorrow.

"We're prepared to make out an injunction against, whether it's Alex Schapp or Gunns we're not sure," he said.

"We have finance lined up, we're prepared to go all the way to prevent any illegal operation."

First posted August 30, 2011 09:53:22