Local creditors of the Emerald, Capella and Clermont solar farm developments are thankful that, despite the Natural Resource and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham’s inaction, McGrathNicol has made arrangements for local creditors to access the meeting.
Gregory MP Lachlan Millar, whose electorate encompasses the solar farm projects, said he has received “numerous calls from distraught and disappointed creditors”.
“Local contractors for Emerald, Capella and Clermont solar farm projects have entered into good-faith arrangements with RCR Tomlinson and are crushed they have gone into administration” Mr Millar said.
“I contacted the appointed administrators McGrathNicol today and they have advised that, while it’s not feasible to hold creditors meetings in every region affected by RCR Tomlinson’s failure, creditors outside metropolitan centres will be able to webcast into the creditors meeting from their homes or workplaces on Monday.
“The administrators have assured me they are sending details including proxy voting forms to all creditors today. The proxy forms will need to be returned by Friday to be valid.
“McGrathNicol have assured me these details will be send out to creditors via email and if you have any concerns, make sure you contact them as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Millar thanked McGrathNicol for their prompt response to his concerns and suggested creditors visit their website at http://www.mcgrathnicol.com/creditors/rcr-group/ to find out more.
“Like me, these small businesses are disappointed that the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, has abandoned them in their time of need.
“The Minister has been an enthusiastic promoter of these renewable developments, but has been silent on the impacts on small businesses and contactors left behind by the demise of RCR Tomlinson” Mr Millar said.
Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin Dale Last is calling on the Minister to step in and protect small businesses caught up in this.
“Like Lachlan, I’ve had numerous businesses contact me over the last few days, concerned whether they were going to see any of their owed money and how they are meant to travel to Brisbane and keep their businesses afloat” Mr Last said.
“Small businesses and contractors throughout northern and central Queensland have been caught up in this voluntary administration, with hundreds of thousands of dollars being owed throughout the region. Small businesses just can’t cop these losses, especially coming into the Christmas period.
“Minister Lynham has been silent on this issue and he needs to stand up, back Queenslanders and ensure administrators McGrathNicol give creditors in regional Queensland a fair go.
“The Minister has been silent on this issue, with small businesses on the hook for hundreds of thousands owed.
“The Minister is more than willing to stick the boot into mining companies, but has been silent on the failures of this renewable energy company,” Mr Last said.
FAST FACTS:
• Hundreds of Thousands is owed to small businesses and contractors throughout Central Queensland
• RCR Tomlinson was contracted to build the solar farms in Emerald, Capella and Clermont to name a few
• Minister Lynham is missing in action while regional Queensland businesses suffer