The Tasmanian Liberals are greatly concerned that at least 120 jobs are at risk in the North East at Gunns’ Scottsdale sawmill.
We learned from Gunns’ management late yesterday that regardless of the outcome of the FEA Bell Bay sawmill sale, it would be difficult for the Scottsdale mill to compete both now and in the future, and its operations are being reviewed.
It is paramount that Gunns at the earliest opportunity outlines exactly what its intentions are, and if it is intending to close the mill, it must explain what the timeframes are, and whether or not there are any other options for its workers and the sawmill site.
If the mill closes this will be extremely serious for the North East community, and for Scottsdale especially. The Tasmanian Liberals believe that all stakeholders must be engaged including the Dorset Council, Gunns, the local community as well as the State Government in looking at options for the mill site and its employees.
The North East community has suffered as a result of industry closures and withdrawal of services for two decades. If the mill closes, unified action is needed from all political, business and community representatives to find new jobs in the North East for the displaced workers.
The State Government must work with whoever wins the Federal Election on Saturday to ensure the workers’ long term employment future is considered, and the North East economy is secured.
The Tasmanian Liberals stand ready to play a constructive role in whatever positive initiatives are employed. We have a proud track record of standing by the North East community during every one of the employment shocks the region has suffered in recent years, and will continue to fight for the region.
