The Tasmanian Government has defended allowing a pulp mill pipeline to be built in the state’s north, on land acquired for a road bypass.

The Government acquired the land in question for the Dilston bypass; it has now admitted part of the land will be used for a pipeline to supply Gunns’ proposed Bell Bay pulp mill with water.

Gunns says the bypass route is the most logical path for its pipe system to follow.

Conservationists have reacted angrily, saying the Government knew the land would be needed for the pipeline, when it was acquired.

The Government has denied the claim, and says in the past other companies such as Aurora and Telstra have used road reserves for pipe systems.

The Department of Infrastructure says Gunns will be responsible for any additional costs associated with the pipeline.