THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF Tasmania in Australia says it will not rush into legislation to override the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal decision, which blocked the US$17.9M hydro and irrigation dam on environmental and economic grounds.

The Tribunal’s decision in January 2003 has sparked heated debate over the projects future. State Minister for Water and the Environment, Bryan Green, has said that work is underway to address issues raised by the Tribunal such as habitat protection.

The proposed bill to be introduced in the coming sessions will make sure that Environment Australia is also satisfied with the legislation prior to its introduction.