Blue Ridge Hardwood workers will receive a redundancy payment of $150,000 from the NSW State Government if they are sacked from the 70-year-old Eden timber mill.
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The announcement from Bega MP Andrew Constance comes on the back of Blue Ridge Hardwood's eye catching Hi Vis workers shirt protest which was unveiled earlier this week.
In August of 2018 Forestry Corp and Allied Natural Wood Exports confirmed negotiations were underway for a proposed $20million timber optimisation hub to be built on Edrom Rd.
The decision has put Eden timber mill Blue Ridge Hardwoods under threat and is facing possible closure at the end of 2019.
Mr Constance today announced an income support payment of $150,000 for each "sacked" Blue Ridge Hardwood worker. The payment will not be for workers who transfer to the new saw mill being built by Allied Natural Woods Exports.
“If people lose their jobs and they can’t transfer to the new mill then they will receive an income support payment of $150,000. This is an important safety net that I announced last year, " Mr Constance said.
“I am confirming this offer publicly so that there is no misinformation nor confusion."
“This package provides a $150,000 income support payment per employee and in addition, assistance with retraining and relocation will be available,” Mr Constance said.
"Mr Richards [Blue Ridge Hardwoods managing director] faced the prospect of closing his doors last Christmas but a taxpayer subsidy from the NSW Government of $2.4 million for the continuation of wood supply was made to ensure Blue Ridge Hardwoods operation continued for another 12 months,” Mr Constance added..
“Whilst commercial discussions continue behind closed doors with Forestry Corporation I want these employees to have work first and foremost."
“This package does not in any form relieve BRH’s management of their legal obligations to employees in terms of their entitlements should they terminate a person’s employment from the end of 2019."
“I want a long term future for the industry in our region which is why I want more work done on better management of the resource by Forestry Corp and our contractors and mills to continue delivering a great product for the markets,” Mr Constance said.