Will Hodgman, Adam Brooks: West Coast Economic Working Group

The Liberal Government is acting quickly to support the West Coast community following yesterday’s announcement that the Mt Lyell mine will be placed into care and maintenance for 18 months.

The news has come as a terrible blow to the West Coast community and Tasmania generally.

The Premier Will Hodgman said the Liberal Government would not abandon those affected by the decision.

“We have worked quickly and appropriately to establish a West Coast Economic Working Group, which will provide immediate support during these challenging times,” he said.

“Today the Resources Minister Paul Harriss, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade Adam Brooks and Liberal Member for Braddon Joan Rylah and I met with Copper Mines of Tasmania and its workers who are affected by this terrible news.

“This has strengthened our resolve to continue to work with CMT and its workers to ensure they have every support necessary at this very difficult time.

“The West Coast Economic Working Group will drive a coordinated response over the tough months ahead for the West Coast community.”

The Premier has appointed Mr Brooks as chair of the working group. Invited members include:

• West Coast Council mayor Robyn Gerrity;
• The Department of State Growth secretary Kim Evans;
• Copper Mines of Tasmania General Manager Scott Clyde;
• An Australian Workers Union representative; and
• Community representatives, to be chosen in consultation with the working group.

The working group will provide critical support to businesses, workers, families and the community by;

• Creating a central point for community input;
• Providing workers with skills training and finding new jobs;
• Actively seeking new investments to grow jobs in the immediate, medium and long-term;
• Fast-tracking existing and potential infrastructure and capital expenditure projects;
• Providing financial and social support services; and
• Working with Copper Mines of Tasmania to assist ongoing exploration programs.

The working group will hold its inaugural meeting tomorrow. It will provide an interim report to the Government in three months, and a final report in six months.

Mr Brooks said the Liberal Government would continue ongoing and constructive discussions with Copper Mines of Tasmania.

“The company is committed to continuing significant exploration efforts over the next 18-months to two years, and I am cautiously optimistic,” Mr Brooks said. “We will continue to do whatever we can to support Copper Mines of Tasmania in its endeavour to capture new mineral opportunities.”

Anyone needing information and support can call the West Coast Support phone line 1800 728 583.
Will Hodgman, Premier Adam Brooks, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade