Mr Bartlett wrote the letter in May after a meeting with Gunns chairman John Gay (left) in a Government bid to help find finance for the delayed $2 billion project.
He suggested Mr Gay provide copies of the letter to “interested parties”, to help finalise arrangements for the financing.
Mr Bartlett’s letter of May 7 — addressed “Dear John” — also notes “recent public activity and attempts by (environmental and anti-pulp mill groups) to undermine investor confidence in the project”.
“In this environment, I believe it is of value to provide clarity on the Tasmanian government’s position on the project,” the two-page letter states.
“The Tasmanian government views the Bell Bay pulp mill (north of Launceston) as a critical processing initiative.
“We are fully supportive of the project proceeding.”
Mr Bartlett also offered to personally meet any banks or prospective joint venture partners looking at investing in the Gunns pulp mill, if it would help “provide confidence in the Government’s position”.
State Treasurer Michael Aird is in Europe on government business now and will meet Gunns’ most likely pulp mill partner — believed to be Swedish paper and pulp company Sodra — early next week.
Download Bartlett letter to John Gay: Sep18_Bartlett_to_Gay_May09_N_McKim_ATTACH1.pdf
