Mond

Monday, 25 September 2006

TOBACCO PULLOUT: LET’S ALL WORK TOGETHER

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has called for a united approach by Local, State & Federal Government to help Myrtleford and surrounding communities absorb and recover from the shock announcement by British American Tobacco to cease tobacco purchases from Australia.

Dr Sykes said, “I will be working with Local, State & Federal Governments to ensure immediate short to medium term support for the families directly affected plus the creation of long term job opportunities.

“The Federal Government’s Regional Partnerships Program has an excellent track record in similar situations, for example, D&R Henderson Benalla received $800,000 to re establish a timber factory after fire gutted the original factory and put 65 jobs at risk.

“The State Government’s Regional Development team can also assist with skills auditing, re training and assisting new businesses get started.

Dr Sykes continued, “In the short term, my recent call for more financial counselling support becomes even more important and urgent. I would also suggest that other counselling and support services will need to be ramped up with a strong face-to-face presence in Myrtleford and Mt Beauty.

“Medium term support could be in the form of State Government support for projects such as general weed control and beautification of the rail trail as well as funding for roads and bridges.

“A project with long term benefits would be for the State Government to honour an earlier commitment to connect Myrtleford, Porepunkah & Bright to natural gas to make the Ovens Valley more attractive to new and existing industries.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “This news, on top of the frost damage to the tobacco crops, depressed wine prices and the forthcoming dry times will test even the most resilient people. Let’s make sure all levels of Government and the community pitch in to overcome this challenge.”

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