AN independent assessment of the Gunns pulp mill proposal has been recommended by forest peace talks facilitator Bill Kelty, who released his interim report yesterday.
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Mr Kelty has also recommended the issue of compensation for people seriously affected by the mill be considered.
Mr Kelty said in his report that the central issue raised in all meetings was that of the current pulp mill proposal and how Tasmania could handle such a divisive and emotive issue.
He said that while the statement of principles developed by industry and environment groups stated that a pulp mill was acceptable, the question was not a pulp mill but the Tamar Valley pulp mill proposed by Gunns.
"However, it must be appreciated that there is considerable concern from some parts of the community about the process used to promote the proposed Gunns mill at Bell Bay," he said.
"Whilst it is recognised that there have been changes in approach there remains a reservoir of cynicism and bitterness which needs to be addressed.
"There are many issues which impact on the community and it cannot be assumed that there will not be strong opposition from a variety of sources."
A Gunns spokesman said that the company would consider the report in due course.
He said that Gunns was not a signatory to the forests statement of principles and that all the necessary approvals for the pulp mill were in place.
Mr Kelty also said that the uncertainty surrounding the economic position of Gunns - reflected in its volatile and relatively low share price - and the uncertainty surrounding the timing and specific intent of the company's voluntary withdrawal from native forest processing, were two factors that may make reaching a workable solution difficult.
Industry groups welcomed the report and said that there was merit in continuing the process.
Environment groups welcomed Mr Kelty's proposal to appoint an independent person to assess the pulp mill process, but have ruled out supporting the mill even if the independent assessment supports the mill.
"It's clear from this report that there is not an expectation on environment groups to support the pulp mill. This is good because we do not support the pulp mill," the Wilderness Society spokesman Vica Bayley said yesterday.
