Tuesday 13 April 2010
Mill closure presents opportunity for new Tasmanian government
Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne says a major opportunity now rests with Tasmania’s new government in securing new employment opportunities following news of Burnie’s soon to close paper mill.
“The announcement that the mill will close in July will at least provide certainty as to where the 165 workers stand. Months of enduring the possible threat of unemployment would have certainly taken it’s toll on many North West families.
“The challenge now is to connect an available skills base to smart new industries that are both suitable for the region and immune to the boom and bust catastrophes that have plagued the North West.
“The first thing that must happen is a full skills audit of all those people directly employed or as contractors so that the government has a clearer view of what particular skills upgrading or training is necessary to equip workers for jobs in new and emerging industry sectors.
“The renewable energy sector is a perfect example of a sustainable industry that already has a strong foothold in Tasmania. We already have Woolnorth wind farm in the North West, plus Musselroe is back on track and now we have NP Power planning a 4000ha wind farm in the Central Highlands.
“This gives Tasmania an opportunity to develop an attractive feed in tariff regime that will help to attract industries such as Vestas, which left because of a failure of government to provide the positive investment environment necessary to keep them here.
“Premier Bartlett has said he wants Tasmania’s new shared government to be one based on trust between the parties. This is a perfect opportunity for a tripartisan unity between all parties to throw the door open for greater renewable energy investment in the state.
“We have 165 people from the North West facing unemployment, so why not begin welcoming investment now? I urge all Tasmanian party leaders to get together now and begin with a skills audit.
“It’s time to get to the basics. What skills do people have, where do we have skills shortages, and how do we match the skills we have to existing sectors?
“This will at least allow us to take some important steps towards injecting much-needed hope and prosperity to the North West.”
Senator Christine Milne
