Wellington Shire Council Mayor Carolyn Crossley has received a response to her letter sent last week from the Premier, the Hon Daniel Andrews MP, over the Heyfield Timber Mill concerns.

The Premier thanked the Mayor for her letter and said that he shared the community’s concerns and wants to reassure her that the Victorian Government is working hard to ensure the ongoing sustainability of employment in Gippsland.

He continued to say that, “The Hon Jaala Pulford, Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, the Hon Gavin Jennings, Special Minister of State and Ms Harriet Shing, MLC for Eastern Victoria are committed to working together with the Directors of ASH on options for the future of the Heyfield Mill.

“With regard to the motion which was carried at the public meeting in Heyfield, we came to government on a commitment to fight for every Victorian job and we are doing just that. We believe in working with business, industry and communities to create new and protect existing jobs. That is why the Government is working with ASH to identify options to help provide certainty for the business, its employees and the Heyfield community.”

The Premier concluded by saying that all parties are working together in good faith and he hopes the issues will be resolved as soon as possible.

Mayor Crossley, says “I am very pleased to have received a swift response from the Premier. Although it is slightly disappointing that he provided no definitive answers on the resolution of securing the future of the Heyfield Mill, I was encouraged by his support for Government representatives to continue to work with ASH so that a solution can be found.”

The Premiers letter was received by the Mayor on Wednesday 8 February.