Country people have had a gutful of being told what jobs they can and can’t have by city-based Labor and Greens politicians.
It is not too late for the State Labor Government to give Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) mill in Heyfield the timber it needs to stay open.
I remain hopeful the State Government and the mill owner, Hermal Group, can negotiate a positive outcome for this world-class and sustainable timber manufacturing facility.
Any scenario where jobs are lost at the Heyfield mill is unacceptable to the mill workers and local small businesses.
My main concern is for the workers, their families and everyone whose livelihoods are connected to the township of Heyfield.
It is extraordinarily disappointing that a successful and viable world-class business is faced with closure because of a failure of policy by the State Labor Government.
The State Labor Government needs to start standing up for blue collar workers and not pandering to Greens voters in the city.
In light of recent reports of greater Leadbeater’s possum numbers, the State Labor Government must urgently reduce the buffer zones and increase the available resource to industry.
As a community, we must stick together and continue to stand up for our way of life and fight for our jobs.