Title: MLCs final hurdle for mill
Orginal link: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,21390714-3462,00.html
Author: PHILIPPA DUNCAN
Published date:March 16, 2007 12:00am
THE State Government is `cautiously confident` that the hurdle of the Legislative Council can be overcome in its push to fast-track the pulp mill.[/b]


But perhaps the biggest challenge facing the Government will be winning the support of three of its own MLCs -- Terry Martin, Allison Ritchie and Lin Thorp.

Last year, the three forced the Government to alter its plan to virtually abolish the protected conservation area in Ralphs Bay at Lauderdale.

And last month, Mr Martin wrote to Premier Paul Lennon to remind him the party"s position was to accept the decision of the Resource Planning and Development Commission.

The three would not comment yesterday, but Leader of the Government in the Upper House Dough Parkinson said he was "cautiously confident" the Bill would pass.

He said the Upper House would be recalled the week after next to debate the legislation, to be introduced to the Lower House on Tuesday.

But a phone poll of independent MLCs revealed many support the RPDC process and are concerned about an alternative assessment process.

Windermere independent MLC Ivan Dean said the new assessment process had to be independent.

"If it"s not independent, I will have some concerns and so will the people," he said.

Mersey independent MLC Norma Jamieson said: "I don"t think we should have development at any cost."

Apsley independent MLC Tania Rattray-Wagner questioned whether politicians should have the final say on the mill. Rowallan independent MLC Greg Hall said the Government would need to demonstrate the new process would be "rigorous, competent and independent".

Paterson independent MLC and Upper House President Don Wing said: "I wanted to see the RPDC deal with it. I had confidence in that process and I think most people did."

Nelson independent MLC Jim Wilkinson said the RPDC was the best process and he would need to hear "extremely persuasive" evidence to support a new process.

Rosevears independent MLC Kerry Finch said he agreed with Mr Lennon"s economic argument but the mill must be "environmentally sound". Huon independent MLC Paul Harriss said: "I am not offended by finding an appropriate pathway through this mess".

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest said she would be concerned if any of the air-quality emission standards were relaxed.