Fed: Gunns accetps extension of pulp mill decision

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2007
Fed: Gunns accetps extension of pulp mill decision

Timber company Gunns Limited says it remains committed to building a pulp mill in Tasmania
.. despite the chance it may not be approved before the federal election.

Federal Environment Minister MALCOLM TURNBULL last night extended the deadline for
a decision by six weeks .. to allow for an assessment of public comment and a scientific
report.

Gunns executive chairman JOHN GAY says the move comes as no surprise .. and the company's
fully committed to the project.

An environmental group is also appealing a court decision in favour of the mill ..

in a hearing expected in October.

Gunns wants to build the two billion dollar mill in north-east Tasmania's Tamar Valley
.. in a project which has divided Tasmanians and attracted national interest.

Mr TURNBULL has extended the deadline for environmental approval under federal laws
by 30 working days .. and says the government's chief scientist will not submit his report
on the mill until September.

AAP RTV pw/imc/bart

KEYWORD: PULP (CANBERRA)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.