mmg.com.au

Global Crown Pty Ltd chief executive John Wynan has denied speculation that his company’s purchase of the Deniliquin abattoir had fallen through.

He did confirm, however, that settlement had been delayed because of a few ‘‘legal issues’’.

Speaking with the Pastoral Times yesterday, Mr Wynan said he was still negotiating the purchase.

The Pastoral Times also believes a second party has shown interest in buying the meat works facility.

Mr Wynan confirmed in December he was confident of opening the abattoir early this year.

‘‘I have not pulled out of the sale,’’ he said.

‘‘I still want to buy it if I can. Progress is being made and we hope to make an official announcement soon.’’

Deniliquin Mayor Lindsay Renwick said despite the delays he was confident the abattoirs would re-open.

Whether trading under Global Crown Pty Ltd or another prospective buyer, he assured the community Deniliquin Council would do everything it could to ‘‘encourage’’ the sale.

‘‘I am confident a buyer can be found,’’ he said.

Murray Valley Community Action Group chair and local real estate agent Lester Wheatley said he too was ‘‘hopeful’’ a sale could be negotiated.

‘‘I think there is some momentum flowing around,’’ he said.

‘‘There could be some other players in the works.

‘‘If nothing happens shortly, the facility is getting to a state where it may no longer be useful because it has sat idle for so long.’’

The Deniliquin abattoir closed in 2007 when previous operators Klanstin Pty Ltd withdrew from the facility.

At the time, Klanstin general manager Tony Kairouz said issues with the market and meat industry had forced the temporary closure. It was never re-opened.

Still owned by Farouk Fami, who owned Fami Corp, the facility was then inherited by the businessman’s family following his death in 2010.

The overseas owners started seeking a buyer for the facility soon after.

The Fami Corp website sill indicates the facility is under offer, which means a buyer has agreed to buy the property subject to conditions.

At full capacity, the abattoir has the ability to employ about 100 people and process more than 3000 animals each day.

Its reopening is expected to provide a much needed economic and employment boost to the region, with the potential of also bringing new people into the town.