you better do it gunns or else

Conflict remains over pulp mill site
Updated Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:11am AEDT


Mr Wish-Wilson says Tamar Valley residents remain opposed to the mill. (ABC TV)

Forestry peace deal signed and delivered Related Story: Conservationists reject forest agreement A former Greens Senate candidate says the peace deal for Tasmania's forests will not last unless Gunns moves its Tamar Valley pulp mill.

The Statement of Principles signed by the forest industry and environment groups indicates Tasmania should have a pulp mill somewhere in the state.

Gunns Chief Executive Greg L'Estrange says the Tamar Valley is the best site for the mill but the Wilderness Society's Paul Oosting says he does not support the mill Gunns is proposing.

Peter Whish-Wilson, who runs a winery in the Tamar Valley, says residents will not have their environment sacrificed to stop logging in old growth forests.

"This is all about what's good for Gunns and what's good for their shareholders," he said.

"Why isn't there another site? Where is the information that says that it's not cost feasible to have a pulp mill somewhere else. Why hasn't that been shared with the Tasmanian public.

"I mean, not being facetious saying this but why not in Scottsdale? They need jobs. Well the reason is, it's not profitable for Gunns."

He describes the peace deal as "a train wreck waiting to happen."

"I'd really like to see a resolution on forestry conflict in Tasmania but if it means that the Tamar Valley is going to be sacrificed at the altar of some high conservation coupes then I don't think it will last.

"No I think it's a train wreck waiting to happen because the opposition to this pulp mill in the Tamar Valley is very strong."