The Tasmanian Greens said the resumption of plantation woodchipping at Long Reach in northern Tasmania was potentially welcome news for unsecured creditors left out of pocket by the collapse of Gunns Ltd.
Greens Forestry spokesperson Kim Booth MP today renewed calls for ANZ to forgo its status as a secure creditors of Gunns Limited, to ensure that local businesses, farmers and contractors can receive the money they are still owed.
“Creditors may take some minor comfort from news that Gunns’ receivers have found a way to generate a revenue stream for their plantation timber, even if it is from an extremely low value product,” Mr Booth said.
“The problem remains that the banks are first in line for any money from the sale of Gunns’ assets, and small businesses are last in line.”
“The Greens are calling on the ANZ Bank to look after the community that has looked after it for so long, and to forgo secure creditor status to give small businesses the break they deserve.”
“This will ensure that small businesses are paid out first and that the Tasmanian economy does not suffer from a domino effect of bad debt, which will only hurt the banks in the long run.”
“This is also the last throw of the dice for anyone expecting money from Gunns, as the sale of wood intended for the pulp mill project has thankfully and predictably failed to attract any interest.”
“No wood, no pulp mill, it is now officially over.”
Kim Booth MP Greens Forestry Spokesperson Tuesday, 11 June 2013
