MEDIA RELEASE 21 February 2006
PULP MILL OPTIONS CLOSER TO HOME If Gunns is serious about a fallback location for a world-class pulp mill, Hampshire in the state’s northwest would rate ahead of China and Malaysia, according to the Cradle Coast Authority. The renewed push for the Hampshire option came in response to yesterday’s comments from Gunns Executive Chairman, John Gay, that the prospect of minority government in Tasmania might prompt the mill’s proponents to look at offshore locations for their project. Cradle Coast Authority Executive Chairman, Roger Jaensch, said the Hampshire site was worth another look because •
Green politicians, who might play a bigger role in the next government than previously, have already stated their preference for the Hampshire site, on environmental grounds
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85% of northwest residents surveyed in February last year supported a pulp mill being established in their region, ensuring support at regional scale, regardless of state politics
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The costs of transporting woodchips to a pulp mill at Hampshire, the main factor in the previous site decision, would be far less than shipping them to Asia
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Pulp produced under Tasmanian and Australian environmental standards would be worth more in discerning markets than that produced under lower standards in a developing nation.
Acknowledging that Mr Gay’s comments were more about the election than the mill itself, Mr Jaensch said that, whatever the outcome, the Authority still considered Hampshire to be a ‘live option’ for a pulp mill, and would provide any assistance required to reassess its suitability.
Media contact Roger Jaensch
Cradle Coast Authority
6431 6285, 0438 316 285