Tamar Valley pulp mill site offered for sale by Knight Frank

A prime package of land once at the centre of one of Tasmania’s most controversial environmental debates is on the market.

THE site of the proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill has been put on the market.

Knight Frank has today advertised the Bell Bay parcels of land as offering opportunities for the agricultural, renewable energy, logistics, minerals or manufacturing sectors.

“Major capital investment has been made with site development, internal road and waste water treatment infrastructure,” the advertisement said.

The land has been held by receivers KordaMentha since Gunns went into liquidation.

Knight Frank agents Rob Dixon and Charles Black said there had been “strong interest” in the site.

“We believe that from the interest already shown in the sites, the properties will provide opportunities for a wide array of industries including investors in the agricultural, renewable energy, minerals, manufacturing and logistics sectors,” Mr Dixon said.

“There has been significant capital invested to date.

The site of the proposed Gunns Ltd Tamar Valley pulp mill has been put on the market. Picture: SUPPLIED

“Noting the location, accessibility to utility services and the opportunities presented by its proximity to with the port, the offering will be considered by investors looking to capitalise on the strengthening economic environment in Tasmania.”

The sale of the land will spell the definitive end of one of Tasmania’s most controversial environmental issues.

It kicked off when former Greens leader Peg Putt witnessed Gunns managing director John Gay and then deputy premier Paul Lennon having dinner in Hobart discussing a pulp mill in 2003.

Gunns Ltd's proposed pulp mill site near Bell Bay in the Tamar Valley, just outside of Launceston.

She blew the lid on the proposal in the House of Assembly with the issue going on to dominate Tasmanian politics for years. One Launceston rally attracted 10,000 people in opposition to the $1.3 billion proposal.

Permits for the mill lapsed last year after being extended by the government in 2011.

The land is for sale collectively or individually by expressions of interest closing April 4.

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