MYRTLEFORD JOB LOSSES A MAJOR BLOW: SYKES

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has described Carter Holt Harvey’s decision to sack up to 50 positions at its Myrtleford sawmill as major blow to the local community.

Dr Sykes said the decision, which was announced without warning by the company today, would rob the Myrtleford and district economy of up to $1 million or more annually.

“When you consider that a recent survey found that for each job at the mill, a further five or six jobs were created in the community, this decision will have far reaching economical consequences.”

Dr Sykes said his first thoughts were for the sacked workers, many of whom have young families, with Christmas only a matter of weeks away.

“The timing of the company’s decision to ‘rebalance its production’ could not have come at a worse time for workers and their families.”

Dr Sykes said he was committed to working with the Alpine Shire Council and the State Government to identify new job creation opportunities for the Myrtleford district.

“I will be raising this issue immediately with the Minster for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, to explore an appropriate government response to this decision.

“I have also already spoken to the Chief Executive Officer of the Alpine, Doug Sharp, about potential projects and initiatives to lessen the impact of the decision.

“I also call on the company to work closely with the workers and the union to keep job losses to a minimum.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989