Auswest forestry proposal

The State Government will await Auswest's final business proposition before it can make any determination on forestry issues relating to the company's expression of interest to purchase the Gunn's jarrah operations.

Forestry Minister Terry Redman said he had been kept up-to-date on the proposal by Auswest to purchase the operations; however, he highlighted the discussions were largely commercial ones between the two companies.

Mr Redman said the Government was working with Auswest and Gunns to provide data and advice.

"Once a formal finalised proposal is received then the State Government and, if necessary, State Cabinet will be able to formally consider any requests or undertakings in relation to issues such as log sales, investment guarantees and site leases," he said.

"While not all of these issues come under my Ministerial responsibilities, I have made it my business to ensure all parts of Government involved are aware of the importance of a sale and are working together."

The Minister said work was also being done on the necessary Cabinet process to ensure a timely Government response once it had been presented with the necessary parameters.

However, Mr Redman said, at its core, it was a commercial arrangement between two companies that had to stack up financially.

"The role of Government in these situations is to respond promptly and clearly to both Gunns and Auswest as they put forward their purchase proposal.  This has been done diligently from day one and continues to be done," he said.