Gunns’ proposed pulp mill in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley will cost the island’s economy up to $3 billion if something goes wrong, according to a new economic analysis.
The results of the analysis, commissioned by the The Wilderness Society, are in stark contrast to a similar study done for Gunns.
The National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) analysis found the most likely outcome of the mill would be a cost of $300 million to the Tasmanian economy until 2030.
An Allens Consulting Group analysis — commissioned by Gunns — predicted the most likely impact of the mill would be a gain of $3.3 billion.
Dr Brain took into account factors including the cost of lost tourism and the risk of chemical spillage, Gunns changing ownership, a blow-out in capital costs, deaths and sicknesses from environmental damage and the closure of two other paper mills in northern Tasmania.
Allens Consulting had underestimated the opportunity cost of logs consumed in the pulp mill, which could be exported as high-value timber, and the cost of agricultural land clearing, Dr Brain said.
Two women who were seriously injured in a car accident outside Tasmania’s Mersey Hospital yesterday could not be treated at the Mersey, because the hospital still does not have an intensive care unit (ICU).
The injured women had to be taken to Burnie Hospital for treatment, even though others who were less seriously injured in the accident were treated at the Mersey.
The former Federal Government promised to reinstate the ICU as part of the take over.
Jelly would have to be one of the luckiest cats alive.
Nine-year-old Jelly spent some time yesterday walking around with a deadly Lowland Copperhead snake wrapped around her neck.
Owner Wendy Wallis said Jelly wandered back in to their property, which borders the creek at Sorell, about 11.30am yesterday carrying the snake with her.
She called wildlife rescuers who removed the snake.
‘Both the cat and the snake seemed quite happy,’ Ms Wallis said.
‘She didn’t show any signs of a bite last night, but this morning she was almost paralysed.
‘She’s at the Montrose vet at the moment being pumped full of anti-venom, but the vet says she’ll recover fully.’
Ms Wallis said she snapped the picture through a glass door, but didn’t dare open the door as the cat would have walked inside.”
Tonight, Tasmanians will be able to view a total lunar eclipse.
Shevill Mathers from Southern Cross Observatory, Cambridge, together with Discovery Science Channel TV, is filming the total lunar eclipse that will be happening tonight, August 28, 2007.
It will be visible in its entirety for all of Eastern Australia and New Zealand.
A fine female rainbow trout weighing more than 6kg was released in Bradys Lake a week ago.
She’s shown above with Inland Fisheries Officer Brett Mawbey shortly before release.
Tasmanian anglers have a chance to catch her with the opening of the trout fishing season this weekend, and if they do there’s a bonus — she’s been tagged and is worth $1000.
Since our launch on July 1 we’ve recorded visitors from 117 countries, and had the odd email wanting to know where our island is situated.
With a bit of help from satellites and The Living Earth we’re able to show you exactly where we exist on the famous blue marble. Visit them to see a much larger image.
Tasmania is the last bit of green on the bottom, below Australia, with Antarctica being the next stop if you continue south. We’ve added a little white arrow to rub it home.
thisTasmania.com is Tasmania's Journal of Discovery — a celebration of Australia's wonderful island state.
Volume 2 Number 4
October — December 2009
ISSN: 1834-4364
Our Mountain
Our webcam, courtesy of Hobart's Rose Bay High School, is updated every 10 minutes — day and night. Click here to see a larger image
Supporters
Stanton Bed and Breakfast
The magnificent convict-built country manor, Stanton, is situated on 16 acres of pasture and orchards, in the heart of the historical and beautiful Derwent Valley.
Red Tag Trout Tours
Roger Butler guides flyfishers, from all over the world, who share a common goal: getting a wild brown trout to hand.
Cobbers: mates on a mission
We've been looking at the future and it isn't working. But we can fix it, one blog at a time.
