Jobs reprieve predicted at Edith Creek
MURRAY Goulburn says it is now focused on selling its Edith Creek milk plant, raising hopes that the 120 jobs about to be lost could be resurrected under a new owner and business model.
A spokesman for the dairy giant said yesterday the company’s immediate focus was on assessing what plant and equipment could be transferred to other Murray Goulburn sites.
But it appears the Edith Creek plant, due to close in December, is now firmly on the market, dispelling local fears it would be mothballed and stand as a reminder of better economic times in the small North-West dairy town.
“As this process is progressing, sale of the Edith Creek site is now a priority,” the spokesman said.
“The detail regarding the sale of the site is commercialin-confidence, as such further information is not available.
“Maximising value to MG and its stakeholders remains a key focus in considering future options for the site and any decision is subject to board approval.”
The company stressed it would continue to employ about 55 people in Tasmania when the Edith Creek plant closed — at its Smithton processing facility, the company’s trading store and in the field services team which works with local suppliers.
Joan Rylah, chair of the Circular Head Regional Economic Development working group, said tourism and potential salmon farming opportunities could also offset the pain felt by the loss of the processing jobs at Edith Creek.
Ms Rylah said creating jobs was a priority while the group continued to work towards securing the future of the Edith Creek site, with the hope that it could be sold.
The Economic Development working group had identified ways to expand tourism through cruise ship visits and salmon farming opportunities, she said.
The State Government committed $1.5 million to the working group when it was established in May and projects worth more than $670,000 had already been identified to support and retrain workers and contractors, create jobs and encourage further economic development, Ms Rylah said.