Thursday, 4th July 2002. For immediate release.
The Socialist Alliance today re-affirmed its opposition to the proposed Southwood project.
Socialist Alliance spokesperson Glenn Shields, candidate for the seat of Franklin in the upcoming state election, said, "sadly the Southwood proposal and the BY amendment to the Huon valley planning scheme were approved today by the Resource, Planning and Development Commission (RPDC).
"While this decision will go part way to address some of the community's concerns, the major environmental and social concerns of the community have, sadly, not been addressed", said Shields, who has been actively involved in opposing the Southwood proposal for the last two years.
"Southwood should be stopped because it represents needless destruction of native forests and will do nothing to stem the tide of job losses in the woodchip industry," said Shields.
"Far more jobs could be created in the Huon valley by expanding the public sector and reducing the work-week with no loss in pay," said Shields.
"We can do better with our natural resources than to stick them in a furnace."
"The decision not to approve the Ranelagh - Judbury transport route and to impose additional conditions on the operation of a wood fired power station is a welcomed decision. It was heartening to see that the RPDC have addressed some concerns raised during the hearings in May this year.
"But this decision falls far short of what the campaign groups in the Franklin area wanted: no Southwood. Therefore we will continue to be part of the campaign to stop Southwood."
The Socialist Alliance will be giving a more detailed response on the outcome of the Southwood proposal at its launch on Saturday 6th at parliament house entrance at 12:00.
For interviews contact Socialist Alliance on 6234 6397 for further details or phone Glenn Shields on (03) 6266 4100.