June 25, 2010 09:13am Cameron buys up Gunns land HELEN KEMPTON--Mercury
June 25, 2010 12:01am
TASMANIAN millionaire businesswoman Jan Cameron yesterday snapped up 200ha of Gunns Limited forest.
The land, which had been earmarked for logging, was part of a massive 28,000ha sell-off of Gunns property, and three of five lots to go under the hammer in Burnie yesterday.
Hailed by Harcourts as one of the biggest land offerings in Tasmania's history, the $30-$40 million sell-off will continue in Launceston today.
Ms Cameron was a late arrival at yesterday's auction, but quickly made her presence felt.
The Chickenfeed owner acquired 12.5ha at Mt Leslie, behind Burnie, 90ha at Henrietta Plains near Yolla and 45ha of forest, which has already been selectively logged, off the Murchison Highway at Parawee.
All up, the entrepreneur and philanthropist spent about $250,000.
After the auction, she did not want to speak to the media about her plans for the land.
A 140ha block at Hellyer Gorge was sold to a timber industry player for $180,000.
The last lot, a 10.9ha site in Burnie's Mariburn Park industrial zone, was passed in at $180,000 and then sold to developers after private negotiations.
The industrial block faces a truck route, and is five minutes from Burnie's port and CBD.
It is understood Ms Cameron has also been buying up land in Tasmania's North-East, including Rossarden, after camping in the area.
She is expected to attend today's auction in Launceston.
Ms Cameron has bought more than 25 Tasmanian properties in the past decade.
Harcourts auctioneer Michael Warren said the blocks on offer in Launceston today were much bigger parcels of land in the Central Highlands.
Other Gunns forestry land has sold through expressions of interest.
The Gunns share price sat at 62 cents just after the auction.
GTP Price at posting:
12.0¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
