Julie Collins to not intervene in Rushy lagoon sale

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has ruled out intervening in the sale of Rushy Lagoon.

But Tasmanian Agricultural Minister Gavin Pearce says she can veto the sale if she wanted to.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers approved the sale of the north-east property, which the Commonwealth-backed Clean Energy Finance Corporation will invest $69 million in.

Mr Pearce said Ms Collins was “taking Tasmanian farmers for mugs”.

“Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme, plantation forestry proposals must be reviewed by the Federal Agriculture Minister,” he said.

“If the Minister believes a proposal will have an adverse impact on agriculture in the region, she can veto it.

“It’s there in black and white.”

Ms Collins said she was aware of the veto power she had but ruled out intervening in the Rushy Lagoon sale.

“I have no role in the sale at all in terms of Rushy Lagoon,” she said.

“This is a private land sale.”

Much of Rushy Lagoon is set to be used to grow trees for carbon credits.

“This is a significant investment in northern Tasmania of over $140 million that will create jobs for Tasmanians,” Ms Collins said.

“This is an investment in our state at a time when our state, particularly northern Tasmania, needs this investment and needs the jobs.”