TAS:Green groups call time on pulp mill

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2011
TAS:Green groups call time on pulp mill

Timber company Gunns may have run out of time to build its controversial pulp mill
in northern Tasmania, and faces another legal battle with environmentalists.

The Tasmanian Environmental Protection Authority permits for the Tamar Valley mill
could expire today if there has not been substantial commencement on the two-point-five
billion dollar project.

But EPA director ALEX SCHAAP says he won't have to determine whether the permit has
lapsed until he is next asked to approve a part of the project.

Greens forestry spokesman KIM BOOTH says he has legal advice that Attorney-General
BRIAN WIGHTMAN is well within his rights to intervene and stop work on the mill from this
morning.

Meanwhile, a collection of anti-pulp mill groups, including Pulp the Mill and Code
Green will meet in Launceston on today and are expected to announce a legal challenge
against Gunns, as the company is still to announce a joint venture partner.

The company says it is in the final steps of securing one.

AAP RTV pbc/wz

KEYWORD: GUNNS (HOBART)

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