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Majority urged to become vocal

Posted on August 22, 2008, 8:08am

Forestry Minister Rory McEwen has urged the silent majority to become a vocal majority when it comes to development projects.

Speaking at the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday, Mr McEwen said a small number of outspoken critics could undermine investment attraction and development.

He cited examples regarding a proposal to send bottled water to China, attracting new residents to Mount Gambier and the Penola pulp mill.

On the pulp mill, Mr McEwen said it was the type of value-adding project the region had been seeking for many years.

“The benefits far outweigh the local challenges in terms of the environment or whatever,” he said.

Asked “how do we stop the vocal minority stalling progress”, Mr McEwen said “by being a vocal majority”.

“We are not strong enough in terms of advocating what we need for the region,” he said.

Limestone Coast Regional Development Board chairman Dale Baker echoed Mr McEwen’s comments yesterday on ABC Radio.

Mr Baker said the development board had completed its task in obtaining planning approval for the pulp mill and its future was now a matter for the proponents.

“Of course we’d like to see the pulp mill come to fruition, but that’s a commercial decision,” he said.

“Whether it comes off, we’ll have to wait and see.”

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