News

Environment and Water | June 22, 2017

Closure of Iluka Mineral Sands Separation Plant imminent

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has expressed her concern and disappointment for Iluka workers and their families, contractors and the Hamilton community following the announcement of the imminent shutdown of the Hamilton Mineral Sands Separation Plant.

“The loss of 120 direct and indirect jobs is devastating for the Hamilton community and is a hit that we can ill afford”, Ms Kealy said.

“Daniel Andrews has had three months since Iluka announced suspension of the plant and has done nothing to provide any support or additional investment to build business confidence in the region.

“Even in this year’s state budget Labor’s paltry funding only extended to a new boat for Hamilton SES – there was a lack of investment in health or education and nothing to create new jobs.

“The Andrews Labor Government has ignored our region too long and must now make sure vital support is available for these workers.

“Daniel Andrews must make every effort to kick-start new employment opportunities and projects, like a commitment to progress the proposed Hamilton abattoir, which would create many new jobs for the region.

“It is obvious from recent major job losses in the Latrobe Valley, Heyfield, and now Hamilton that the city-centric Labor Government has no plan for country Victoria, no plan for managing the impending job losses in Hamilton and no care for the future of our region.

“I implore Daniel Andrews to come to Hamilton and speak with affected workers and their families to ensure that every opportunity to create suitable alternative local employment and support these families is investigated.

“My thoughts are with Iluka workers and their families who will be significantly impacted by this announcement.

“I will continue to work hard to ensure that Daniel Andrews and his Government do not forget the importance of these local jobs for country people”, she said.