Call for study on factory future

A UNION representing workers at a Tasmanian dairy plant has asked for a governmentfunded feasibility study into options for its future.

Dairy giant Murray Goulburn has announced it will close its Edith Creek facility by the end of November.

The company says it has been approached by potential buyers for the plant, which is set up to produce long-life heat-treated dairy products.

But no time frame for talks has been set and the 120 workers set to lose their jobs are getting nervous as the shutdown date approaches.

The National Union of Workers has written to Circular Head Regional Economic Development Working Group chair, Braddon MP Joan Rylah, asking for a study to in- vestigate potential buyers in the market, machinery needs and what regulatory work would need to be done to sell it as a going concern.

“In the event there are no ready or suitable buyers, we need to work through what options are available including setting up a dairy workers’ cooperative at Edith Creek to run the factory,” NUW assistant branch secretary Godfrey Moase wrote.

“I am aware of serious interest in acquiring the site for export orientated production which would expand the overall demand for Tasmanian dairy products.

“While over 100 workers face an uncertain Christmas, MG has indicated that it is not yet in a position to consider future options for the site.”