The once tough-talking Liberals have sold out the forest industry and have effectively shut down any chance of forest residues being exported from the south.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Government had repeatedly failed to explain why a $2.2 million offer for the Triabunna Wharf from a timber company was overlooked in favour of a $300,000 bid.
“The Liberals have said so much about forestry and Triabunna and now they’re snubbing genuine offers from the industry,” Mr Green said.
“The credibility of the Minister for Resources, Paul Harriss, has been shattered.
“Mr Harriss cried blue murder when Gunns sold the Triabunna mill to Graeme Wood in a private transaction.
“Now his own Government has ignored a proposal from the forest industry to buy the wharf and he has gutlessly washed his hands of the issue.
“The Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding needs to explain why he said the wharf was worth “peanuts” in Parliament this morning if a proponent was willing to offer $2.2 million for it.
“Lyons MP Guy Barnett is reportedly furious about the way the sale process has been handled after the committee he chaired called for the wharf to remain in public hands.
“What’s worse, industry players now have no idea what options they have left to export residues.
“The Liberals have hung the forest industry out to dry.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
