Bryan Green: Pulp Mill Consultative Group

A new consultative group has been formed to liaise with business and community groups who support the Bell Bay pulp mill.

Business and community leaders that have publically declared their support for the project were today briefed by the Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, and the former Federal Minister for Resources, Martin Ferguson.

The group agreed to form a Consultative Committee, to be Chaired by Mr Ferguson, who will be joined by National Secretary of the CFMEU, Michael O’Connor, and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources, Norm McIlfatrick, who will be the key State Government contact with Gunns Receiver Manager, KordaMentha.

“The role of the Committee is to ensure that supporters of the pulp mill who are engaging with businesses and community have access to factual information about the project, the sales process by Receivers Korda Mentha and the Legislation to go before the Parliament next week,” Mr Green said.

“This is a fresh start and will assist those who believe in the project gain access to up to date, factual information on the project.

“It is also important that potential investors understand the willingness of local business and community groups to publicly support the project”.

Mr Green said the Government wanted to make sure the pulp mill has the best chance of proceeding.

“The Legislation put forward by the Government will ensure that proponents understand that the pulp mill permits remain intact.

“We can’t put anyone’s arm up their back and insist that they build the project, but what we can do is ensure the message gets to potential investors that Tasmania is open for business and wants this pulp mill.

“The report Martin Ferguson prepared into Tasmania’s privately-owned plantations has also shown a pulp mill can be sustained with the world class resource that we have.

“The Government wants that resource downstream processed here in Tasmania because of the thousands of jobs it will create and the enormous benefits to the State’s economy.

“The Consultative Committee shares this vision,” Mr Green said.
Bryan Green Deputy Premier