Withdraw Authority For Quarry Sale! - Berry

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Employment

Media Statement - 19 June 2001

Labor Shadow Employment Minister Wayne Berry has called on the Chief Minister Gary Humphries to withdraw the authority for Totalcare to sell more of the Williamsdale quarry.

Last year the then Chief Minister Kate Carnell and the Treasurer Gary Humphries approved a joint venture between Totalcare and the private sector for the Williamsdale Quarry on the proviso that Totalcare hold no more than 50% interest.

Gary Humphries and the former Chief Minister said in the letter:

• "I support the proposed venture as presented in Totalcare's Business Case for Williamsdale Quarry, September 1999, subject to:
  • Totalcare's holding no more than 50% interest in the proposed unincorporated joint venture with Mitchell Mini-Mix and possible CSR Emoleum."

Totalcare subsequently entered a joint venture for the project with a Melbourne company, Pavement Salvage Pty Ltd.

"I have raised concerns that the profits to the Territory from the quarry have been lost to the community with the sale of part of the quarry.

"I am now concerned that there are ongoing discussion about the further sale of part or all of the quarry. The letter to Totalcare from Mr Humphries authorises this.

"If Mr Humphries has no plans for any further sell off then it is a simple matter for him to withdraw his authority and to notify Totalcare accordingly.

"This would create certainty and reassure everyone. I call on the Chief Minister to do this.