Mill questions remain unanswered
0 comment

Mill questions remain unanswered

Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, has said some key details on yesterday's Heyfield Mill announcement were yet to be fully explained and the State Government needed to provide clarity for the workers, their families and the Heyfield community.

 "There are a number of details and questions the Minister needs to provide answers to, as they either weren't covered off on, or were completely avoided when asked,” Mr Bull said.

These questions include:

1. If timber supply to Heyfield is being reduced to a little more than half of what it is now (down to 80,000 cubic metres), how can all the 250 jobs be retained as you say they will? Please explain how that will be achieved on a greatly reduced timber supply.

2. When you say "obviously the mill will need to be restructured due to reduced timber supply", Minister, what does this mean (for jobs in particular)?

3. Mill management stated that one full shift will be lost next year with the reduced timber supply, but you say all 250 jobs are being retained. How can a shift be removed, but all jobs retained?

4. When you say all jobs will be retained in the "transition stage", how long is this and will all the 250 jobs be there in October next year?

 "The reason the detail has not been provided and the questions ignored is because there will be significant job losses as a result of this decision and the Minister needs to come clean with the people of Heyfield and East Gippsland," Mr Bull said.

 

Caption: Gippsland East MP Tim Bull in Heyfield yesterday answering questions on the mill. He says it's now time the Government provided some specific responses.

Tuesday, July 4, 2017