Charges against Baker dropped

EIGHTY charges against blue gum plantation scheme promoter Arthur Baker relating to the promotion of that scheme have been dropped.

Mr Baker was to stand trial in the District Court in November facing 40 counts of promoting Frankland Bluegum Scheme without a prospectus and another 40 charges of inviting investors to subscribe for a prescribed interest while not being a public corporation.

The charges against his co-accused, Kenneth George Williamson, are still proceeding.

Mr Baker and Mr Williamson were charged with breaches of the fundraising provisions of Corporations Law relating to the promotion of the Frankland Bluegum Scheme.

The scheme raised about $4 million from investors located predominantly in the mining town of Moranbah in Queensland.

It is understood Mr Williamson faces four charges of making misleading representations that allowed his company, Allrange, to promote its scheme without a prospectus, and the same 80 charges as Mr Baker.