TAP Into a Better Tasmania,
P.O. Box 200,
Exeter, Tas. 7275
Tuesday 19th April, 2011
OPEN LETTER TO THE PREMIER OF TASMANIA
HON. LARA GIDDINGS MP PREMIER
Parliament House,
Hobart, Tasmania
WE REQUEST THAT A FULL AND COMPLETE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF GUNNS’
PROPOSED PULP MILL BE UNDERTAKEN BEFORE ANY FURTHER PROGRESS OCCURS.
Over three hundred years ago the writer John Locke in his “Treatise on Government” argued that a
social contract exists between the people, who agree to obey the laws, and those who govern who
undertake to protect peoples’ life, liberty and property. Life and health are inextricably linked.
(“Two Treatise on Government” Published 1690 John Locke {written 1680})
Of the 757 submissions received by the RPDC regarding the proposed mill many raised deep
concerns regarding the effects on the health of Tasmanians and in particular residents of the Tamar
Valley.
At the time that the RPDC was taking submissions one hundred doctors signed a petition expressing
their concern and requesting that a full and complete assessment of the health implications of the
proposed mill be undertaken. One ignores the recommendation of one hundred medical
practitioners at one’s peril.
When Gunns Ltd. withdrew from the RPDC assessment process and the Pulp Mill Assessment Act
2007 was passed no full and detailed assessment of the health effects was undertaken by qualified
and experienced health specialists.
Should any of the health fears prove founded the Launceston General Hospital is not in a situation to
respond effectively. Future cuts made necessary by our current budgetary requirements will not
improve this situation.
The concerns expressed to the RPDC were well founded at the time as much was known then about
the effects of the constituents of the air and water pollution etc. that would be created by the mill.
Much was also known about the chemicals used in the monoculture plantations necessary to
support it.
Since April 2007 when the Act was passed many further discoveries have been made.
Here are some that relate specifically to children.
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Neo-natal exposure to organo-phosphates (used in agriculture and plantations, many of
which are in our drinking water catchments) is linked with obesity and Type-2 diabetes
and cancer. (The Tasmanian Farmer Issue 53: June/July 2010)
United States research found that pregnant women exposed to organo-phosphates were
far more likely to give birth to babies with ADHD. (The Examiner: 20th August 2010).
ADHD is a growing problem in Tasmania and decreases the efficiency and effectiveness
of expenditure on education and increases the social and financial pressures on families.
Previously accepted “safe” levels of air pollution have been found to cause “serious
asthma attacks” in children. (The Examiner: 1st Nov 2010) This study relates to air
pollution from road traffic but raises questions related to the air pollution generated by
the wood fired power station attached to the mill. This air pollution will be held and
concentrated by the temperature inversions frequent in the Tamar Valley.
Ohio State University research has found, “Polluted Air Increases Obesity Risk in Young
Animals.” http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/obeseair.htm 12/2/10. It is not
unreasonable to see danger for our children and to initiate the precautionary principle.
Canadian research shows that the sex ratio of newborn babies was altered in 90
communities up to 25 kilometres down-wind of dioxin sources. (Reuters Canada: 18th
Oct 2007). Rates changed from the normal 51 boys and 49 girls to 51 girls and 49 boys
but as high as 54 girls to 46 boys. The full implications on the health of the mothers and
all children are listed for future examination. Again the precautionary principle should
be instituted. Dioxin is one of the most dangerous chemicals known to science and will
be released by the mill process into both the air and discharge water.
THE ABOVE DISCOVERIES ARE JUST FIVE WIDELY PULICISED PROJECTS WHICH RELATE TO
CHILDREN.
The prime responsibility of the Ministers for Health, Education, Children and Family Services is to
their portfolios. To discharge this responsibility the health effects of the proposed pulp mill must be
properly assessed.
Yours faithfully,
Ross Story
George Chandler
For
TAP Into a Better Future.