2 May 2017

The Circular Head community is reeling from the announcement that Murray Goulburn will be closing the Edith Creek Milk processing facility.

The Circular Head community is reeling from the announcement that Murray Goulburn will be closing the Edith Creek Milk processing facility.

“This news has come as a shock to Council, with no prior communication from Murray Goulburn that this was being considered,” Acting Mayor Jan Bishop said.

Council understands this news will have a significant impact, with up to 120 jobs to be lost, plus a significant flow on impact to other contractors and businesses.

Acting Mayor Bishop said the impact on employees and their families was at the forefront of Council’s concern.

“The Circular Head Council and the wider community will support those impacted by this decision as it takes effect over the next 12 months,” she said.

 

“Council would also like to understand the reasons why the Edith Creek facility was selected for closure.

“I understand that the impact of global milk prices would be a factor for Murray Goulburn, but with 40% of the milk production in Tasmania coming from Circular Head, every possible opportunity for the site to continue to process milk under a different ownership should be on the table.

“Murray Goulbourn has owned the Edith Creek factory for 10 years, but the site has been processing Milk for more than 50 years and we hope that given the opportunity, it could continue to do so.”