Challenge over substantial commencement may be pulp mill's final hurdle

摘要

The pulp mill proposed at Bell Bay by timber company Gunns Limited (Gunns) remains the most controversial development proposal in Tasmania's recent history. The bleached hardwood kraft pulp mill is estimated to cost $2.3 billion and is projected to contribute $9.9 billion to the Tasmanian economy for 2011-30 and to create approximately 3100 new jobs. Local residents and environment and community groups have opposed the mill on the basis of concerns regarding air and water pollution, impacts on local agriculture, intensification of native forest harvesting to feed the mill, and lack of transparency in the approval process.