Constructive talks give hope in solar farm dispute

A RESOLUTION to a potentially costly contractual dispute at Collinsville solar farm projects looks close, with the companies involved reporting constructive negotiations.

Sydney builder St Hilliers, undertaking a mechanical installation package on the projects, said it had constructive discussions this week with Gold Coastbased contractor Pronto Projects.

Pronto claims it is owed about $ 2 million by St Hilliers for work to install piles and that it had been unable to pay its subcontractors and suppliers.

St Hilliers claims all money owing to Pronto have been paid.

A St Hilliers spokesman said the firm had constructive discussions with Pronto Projects and was seeking to meet with head contractor, Frenchbased group Bouygues, to advance a “satisfactory solution”.

“St Hilliers’ most recent meeting with Pronto was ( Tuesday) and while it was constructive, any final agreement relies heavily on the co- operation of other parties, including the head contractor, which St Hilliers is urgently seeking to meet to further advance a satisfactory resolution,” the company spokesman said.

The spokesman said St Hilliers would continue to engage with Pronto and their client as they attempted to seek resolution.

Burdekin LNP MP Dale Last this week said he was receiving calls for help from Collinsville and Bowen companies desperate to recover the tens of thousands of dollars owed to them by the companies involved in the projects.

Some of the companies say they could fail unless bills are paid.

TONY RAGGATT