NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has pledged his National Party’s support to the re-opening of Manildra’s Cootamundra processing plant but insists the region must push to diversify its local economy.
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Speaking before the community funding forum, which was held on Tuesday night, the Minister for Regional NSW said the abattoir’s future must be tempered with development in other sectors.
“I’ve spoken with (the Manildra Group) – there’s no question that I’ve spoken with them – and they’re a victim of the current market,” Mr Barilaro said.
“They’ve only mothballed their facility and they’re not talking about walking away but in the meantime we need to push for more public and private sector jobs.”
The Nationals leader pointed to the state government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund and pressed for development across other sectors such as tourism and construction.
“We want to see a greater diversity across the local economy,” he said
“Industries like meat processing have swings and roundabouts so we want that variety through sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and others.
“You name it and we’re behind it.”
Sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and others ... you name it and we’re behind it
- Deputy Premier John Barilaro
The plant’s future nevertheless remains contentious with neither meat union representatives or Manildra spokespeople able to confirm plans beyond year’s end.
Union rep Mark Perkins understands the plant will reopen in 2018, however, Manildra simply reiterated its prior statement when approached for comment, outlining its market assessment and intention to reopen.
