Critical Times

MEDIA RELEASE (SA Greens Website)
Paper Thin Debate over Penola Pulp Mill – just 2 hours for a $1.5 Billion project

11/09/2007 by Mark Parnell

The South Australian Lower House has passed the Penola Pulp Mill Bill, authorising the construction of the Mill in the State’s South East, with just two hours debate.

Greens MLC Mark Parnell has described the lack of debate as a ‘disgrace’.

“We were told Parliament offered the highest level of scrutiny, yet two hours of debate was all the Lower House managed today – that is simply not good enough,” said Mr Parnell.

“Using Parliament to rigorously assess this $1.5 Billion project was always the wrong way to go.

“My line hasn’t changed from day 1 – a project this size must be subject to a proper environmental impact study. Parliament can never replace that – certainly not in 2 hours.

“This debate re-defines rubber stamp. It has made a mockery of our planning laws.

“This once again demonstrates the importance of the Upper House. I can assure the people of the South East that the Legislative Council will give this Bill far more scrutiny than it got today,” he said.