Notorious parcels of land hit market

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

Knight Frank yesterday 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 devel- opment, internal road and wastewater treatment infrastructure,” the advertisement said.

The land has been held by receivers KordaMentha since timber company Gunns Ltd 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.

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

The proposed mill was the focus of a years-long environmental battle.

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.

She blew the lid on the proposal in the House of Assembly and the issue dominated 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.

Offers on the land can be made until April 4.