Gunns misleading over pulp mill: Garrett

30 Jan 2009, 12:54 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Environment Minister Peter Garrett says Gunns has made a "potentially misleading" statement to the ASX over its plans for a $2.2 billion Tasmanian pulp mill.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett says timber giant Gunns has made a "potentially misleading" statement to the ASX over its plans for a $2.2 billion Tasmanian pulp mill.

Mr Garrett's comments come as the Australia Greens called on the ASX to investigate Gunns over its Thursday statement which said its pulp mill technology would meet the government's approval requirements.

Mr Garrett took a dim view of the statement by Gunns chief John Gay.

"I am concerned that Mr Gay's release is potentially misleading," Mr Garrett told ABC Radio on Friday.

"I think it is very surprising that Gunns should be making a statement of this kind because it is certainly not in accordance with my view of what the conditions I have imposed on them are."

Mr Garrett said he had ordered scientific modelling on what would happen to effluent pumped into Bass Strait from the mill, slated for the Tamar Valley in Tasmania's north.

He would not give final approval until he had reviewed the modelling results, he said.

Greens Senator Christine Milne also said Gunns may have misled the ASX with its statement.

"The ASX must immediately commence an inquiry into whether or not Gunns misled investors yesterday, and refer the issue to ASIC for a full investigation," she said.

Gunns has rejected the claims.

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