Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford joined Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, Cr. Mary-Ann Brown, Mayor of Southern Grampians Shire and Michael Tudball, CEO Southern Grampians Shire Council on Monday afternoon to hold proactive discussions on a way forward for the mine and the broader Hamilton community.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) will work with Iluka and impacted supply chain businesses to deliver Business in Transition Support Services and will coordinate with Iluka's out-placement services that are to be offered to employees. RDV is currently in discussions with Iluka about the type of support the company is offering to its displaced workforce and how the Victorian Government can work in partnership with Iluka, local and the Commonwealth to deliver services to affected employees and their families.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Mary-Ann Brown said she was pleased with the outcomes from the meeting with the Federal and State Governments.
“These initial meetings have been very encouraging. Council are committed to cooperating to find options to support affected workers and their families and to exploring solutions to reinforce the local economy in Hamilton”.
“This is obviously a disappointing situation for all and it is vitally important that we rally together to support each other and our community during the coming weeks and months”.
Agreement was also reached for regular and ongoing discussions at Senior Management level between Iluka Hamilton, Regional Development Victoria and Southern Grampians Shire Council.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford:
“This is an incredibly tough time for affected Iluka mine workers, their families and the entire Hamilton community. This meeting today was incredibly constructive and set the path to work towards supporting the region.
“Regional Development Victoria is assisting in the process and we will continue to collaborate and cooperate to find options to support affected workers and their families.”