A Galaxy poll commissioned by the Australian Greens shows massive opposition to the proposed Bell Bay pulp mill.

The poll conducted on 24-26 July of 1100 Australians reveals 74 percent of Australians oppose the building of a mill in the Tamar Valley. The figures see an even greater opposition to the mill if the 12% without an opinion are excluded. This brings the figure to 84% in opposition.

Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said the poll was solid evidence that mill proponent Gunns Ltd and the Rudd Government should end their support for the project.

“This shows a clear decision by Australians that a pulp mill in the Tamar is a very bad idea.”

“Prime Minister Rudd and Premier Bartlett are offside with the majority of Australians who can see that building this forest-hungry, polluting pulp mill is the wrong way to go.”

Deputy Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said the poll would give any international investor cause to rethink involvement.

“What international company could even entertain the notion of partnering with Gunns when only 3% of the Australian population strongly support the development, compared to 42% standing in strong opposition – that is 14 to 1, an overwhelming opposition.”

“The current interested partner – Södra of Sweden – should note the results of this poll because a partnership with Gunns will clearly harm its global reputation.”

The Galaxy Poll:[Copy attached]
Question: The logging company Gunns proposes to build a pulp mill in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. A substantial amount of woodchips being used in the mill would be sourced from Tasmania’s native forests. Do you personally support or oppose the building of the pulp mill?

Sample: 1100 Australians, 24-26 July, 2009
Strongly Support: 3%
Support: 11%
Total Support: 14%
Strongly Oppose: 42%
Oppose: 32%
Total Oppose: 74%
Don’t Know/Refused: 12%