❓ Minister Redman addresses the closure of Gunns Ltd's Deanmill operations in Manjimup, highlighting the impact on workers and outlining government initiatives, including Rio Tinto offering 24 fly-in/fly-out jobs and support for economic diversification.
AnsweredQoN 117Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MANJIMUP — GUNNS LTD MILL CLOSURE
I understand that the minister is actively involved in the Manjimup community, particularly following the recent decision by Gunns Ltd to close its Deanmill operations. Can the minister please update the house on the recent positive developments for the town? Mr D.T. REDMAN
I understand that the minister is actively involved in the Manjimup community, particularly following the recent decision by Gunns Ltd to close its Deanmill operations. Can the minister please update the house on the recent positive developments for the town? Mr D.T. REDMAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Minister for Darling Range for his question. Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the Minister for Darling Range for his question. Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
I thank the Minister for Darling Range for his question. Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the Minister for Darling Range for his question. Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
I thank the Minister for Darling Range for his question. Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr P.B. Watson : The Minister for Darling Range! Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr B.J. Grylls : A worthy promotion. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am very fond of the member for Darling Range. I thank the member for his question and for his interest in this matter. Indeed, he has been facilitating a strong link with the forestry sector on a range of other matters through my ministerial office. There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
There is certainly some very exciting news. I will quickly go over a little bit of the history of Manjimup. It relates to the decision by Gunns earlier this year to exit Manjimup. It made that decision based essentially on a decision from the east coast relating to some of the company’s national agenda. I also highlight that its decision in no way sends a signal that there is no longer viability in the native forest sector in Western Australia. There is. Indeed, I have a lot of confidence in the native forest industry going forward. Once Gunns made the decision that it did not have a buyer for the total assets of Gunns—that is, the whole business—it decided to shut down the Deanmill site, which is just outside Manjimup. The consequence of that decision was that 44 workers were made redundant. That had a fairly big impact on that town. Members will understand that Manjimup suffered some fairly substantial impacts about a decade ago; they were a lot greater than the recent one. We understand that some 15 to 20 workers have been picked up by some of the other processors—mainly Auswest Timbers in Pemberton, Nannup Timber Processing and Whittakers Timber Products in Greenbushes, which is looking at its workforce going forward—but those companies have not been able to pick up all the slack of the 44 workers who lost their jobs. Later today—this is the big announcement—Rio Tinto will announce that it has offered 24 fly in, fly out jobs to people living in the Manjimup–Pemberton area. That is an excellent outcome. Rio is looking at its recruiting options. It is very pleasing that it is able to come into Manjimup. We have made that link. We have spoken to Rio. The shire has been very supportive of fly in, fly out options for the disaffected workers. To offer 24 fly in, fly out jobs is an excellent outcome. I certainly compliment Rio for the proactive work it is doing in looking at some of these bigger regional centres as a source for its workforce. Timber workers are well suited to the mining sector; they come from a background that has a high level of occupational health and safety, they have a strong work ethic and they have dealt with heavy haulage gear and so on. A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
A lot of work is being done by the South West Development Commission in Manjimup. It is putting in place an economic development officer to look at, and help broaden, the economic base of Manjimup. Part of that will be to look at the potential of the Manjimup airstrip as a fly in, fly out base for the mining sector. That has a lot of potential. The early decision by a group like Rio to seek out 24 workers is excellent. The potential to extend that going forward is huge. The government has responded very quickly to the issues in Manjimup. We have put in place a strong consultation process, with a range of agencies coming together. I have chaired a little coordinating group down there that has pulled together a range of groups that need to respond to those disaffected workers. We put in place a task force to help facilitate the sale of the Gunns assets. Unfortunately, that has not landed an outcome that would have kept the Deanmill site open. There are still some negotiations happening in that space. Also, we have had a strong presence in town to be able to maintain support for those disaffected workers. Joint funding of $20 000 has come from the South West Development Commission and Gunns to help with training. That has also been a fantastic step. The Minister for Commerce also announced a $70 000 small business package that will provide grants of up $1 500 to businesses to obtain financial, legal and accounting services. That will support the broader businesses in Manjimup affected by the decision by Gunns. An expo being held tomorrow follows on from a previous expo that was strongly supported by the community coordinating group. A range of groups and companies will come into town to look at the potential of Manjimup as a source of workers for the mining sector. This will help people to stay living in that area, it will bring a sense of economy back into that community, and it will make sure that Manjimup is a sustainable town that will be there for a long, long time to come.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.