This section covers the large protests that have taken place in Launceston.
There have been many other smaller protests as well as large ones in Hobart:
7/10/2007: APPROVAL DECISION IGNITES COMMUNITY ANGER
If the politicians thought that the 'final' decision on the mill would signal an end to the matter, they've been
quickly disappointed. A huge rally was held today at Low Head. Thousands of angry Tamar valley residents gave Bob Brown
a standing ovation and heard him say that the decision was open to legal challenge.
17/6/2007: LARGEST EVER RALLY HELD IN LAUNCESTON
Over 10,000 attended the largest demonstration ever held in Launceston protesting against the Tamar pulp
mill. The rally held up traffic for an hour and was largely supported by onlookers who joined in the chants.
However the Mayor, Ivan Dean, said that he would not be influenced by the large turnout and he would look
at the scientific evidence. Has nobody told Mr.Dean that the RPDC rejected the evidence back in March?
1/4/2007: ANTI-PULPMILL RALLY
There was a 'BASS SAYS NO' anti-pulpmill rally today at the Albert Hall in Launceston with speakers that
included author and environmentalist Richard Flanagan. About 3000 attended, a bit of a contrast to the 45 that attended a pro-pulpmill rally. The idea of the rally was to persuade Environment Minister
Malcolm Turnbull that support for the mill will result in the loss of the Federal Bass seat which the Government only holds
by a very slender margin.
4/3/2007: 6000 PROTEST AGAINST MILL
In a combined water/land rally organised by TAP (Tasmanians against the Pulpmill), 6000 people attended speeches
by Peter Cundall and hydrologist David Leaman in Kings Park, Launceston. The crowd marched around the yacht basic
with an armada of small craft for company.
Tasmanians against the pulpmill (TAP) are organising a voters' block. They are collecting
names of people who do not want this pulpmill then, before local, State or Federal elections, interviewing
candidates. They will then pass on the information those that have signed up so they can vote for somebody who
does not support the mill.
This method has been used succesfully in other countries to sway candidates opinions. If you want to add your
name then go to 'Tasmanians against the pulpmill' website
and follow instructions.On 28/10/2006 an anti-pulpmill armada protested in the Tamar by the existing woodchip mill :
On 18/10/2006 Parliament was held at the Albert Hall in Launceston and
there was an anti-pulpmill protest held complete with 'dead' bodies :
On 16/09/06, a crowd of 8000 gathered in Civic Square, Launceston,
and marched through the town to City Park to protest against the
proposal. The Speakers included Peter Cundall and Christine Milne. Afterwards, faced with this massive show
of opposition, Task force chairman Bob Gordon said
that the project was not a popularity contest and the issue would be decided by proper scientific scrutiny
not by public opinion. This was a virtual admission that the proponents have lost the battle for public
opinion in the Tamar valley (however a recent poll showed support for the pulpmill statewide had risen)
and it also begs the question: Why is the State Government spending so much trying to persuade the
public to support the mill if it does not matter? This is a picture of the protesters marching through
Launceston:
In a debate at the University of Tasmania in Launceston on 19/9/06, the proposal 'This house
agrees that the pulp mill will benefit Tasmanians' was lost with about 90% voting against.
