Call to act on Edith Creek opportunity

DAIRY giant Murray Goulburn says two parties are interested in its soon-to-beclosed milk factory in Tasmania’s North-West but there is no firm timeline on when it might hit the market.

The National Union of Workers yesterday met Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff in Devonport in a bid to put pressure on the company to engage with the potential buyers.

Murray Goulburn has said it plans to sell all three of the factories it has slated for closure — two in Victoria and the other at Edith Creek, near Smithton.

The Edith Creek plant will close on November 30 with the loss of 120 jobs.

The State Government has set up a $1.5 million stimulus package to help the region create new jobs but there is a high chance the UHT factory might again be employing people in 2018 if it goes on the market now.

A Murray Goulburn spokesman said the company’s immediate focus was on assessing what plant and equipment could be transferred to other sites.

“Once this assessment process has been completed, we will be in a position to better consider future options for the site,” he said.

“Longer term MG is not intending to mothball the Edith Creek facility and we have been approached by parties interested in the site.

“Maximising value to MG and its stakeholders remains a key focus in considering future options for the site and any decision is subject to management and Board approval.”

The union said Murray Goulburn had not yet engaged with either of the cashed-up parties keen on the Tasmanian facility.

“If Murray Goulburn wantt to exit dairyy proces-processing inin Tasmania due to internal financial difficulties that’s their decision. But it is time to put pressure on them to do the right thing and allow others to keep the Edith Creek site open and employing locals,” National Union of Workers assistant secretary Godfrey Moase said yesterday.

“Dairy has a big future and North-West Tasmania has a big future in that industry.”

Mr Rockliff said he and

the uniunion were on tthe “same page” anda were urging Murray Goulburn to ensure the Edith Creek facility was available for sale.

“We need the factory to have a positive future when MG walks away. We are doing all we can to make it an attractive proposition to prospective buyers,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We can also ensure the investment climate in Tasmania encourages companies to buy in.”