The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has gone into bat for local industry and jobs, pressing the Carroll Labor Government for answers on the future of a major commercial project slated for the Latrobe Valley.
After successfully constructing a demonstration magnesium production plant, Latrobe Magnesium is attempting to forge ahead with commercial magnesium production facility in the region.
But progression of the project has hit a roadblock because of a legislative issue that has prevented the company from accessing to land and the fly ash needed to produce its magnesium.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Cameron said the Latrobe Valley could not afford to lose another major project.
“This commercial facility is worth millions of dollars in investment and hundreds of jobs – both of which are desperately needed,” he said.
“The former Minister for Energy promised to solve the issue facing Latrobe Magnesium by August, but that never happened.
“The company is now in a position where its operations in the Latrobe Valley are under threat, and the repeated delays have left investors wondering why they are persisting with Victoria.
“It took the Environment Protection Authority eight months to grant permissions for the demonstration magnesium plant to progress, even though the permit was already granted.
“The Latrobe Valley needs the Carroll Labor Government to step up and do its job so this investment and these jobs aren’t lost to us.”
In response to similar questions from The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes indicated she was willing to work with Latrobe Magnesium to progress the commercial project.
“I’m pleased the Minister is now across the issues facing Latrobe Magnesium after my advocacy, and it’s now incumbent on her to find a way to ensure this project can progress,” Mr Cameron said.
Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has gone into bat for local industry and jobs, pressing the Carroll Labor Government for answers on the future of a major commercial project slated for the Latrobe Valley.
