Yabulu job losses to be felt across the community
Date published: 15 January 2016
The decision to axe nearly 240 positions at Queensland Nickel refinery is a bitter blow for Townsville, Mayor Jenny Hill said today.
“It’s a deep concern that we’ve lost these jobs in Townsville and my thoughts are with the 237 individuals who will be processing this news today,” Cr Hill said.
“QNI is the biggest private employer in the city and these redundancies will be felt throughout the community.
“In the current economic environment, with unemployment high, these job losses will make conditions even more difficult.
“I hope that this step is a genuine attempt to ensure the long-term viability of the refinery and that this will secure the remaining 550 jobs at QNI.
“It must be a priority for the State and Federal governments to ensure the workers who have been made redundant receive their full entitlements and the support promised includes financial advice and employment support.
“The State Government has said it would provide support packages for the employees of QNI.
“I will be writing to the Premier to ensure this priority support is put in place.
“We need a coordinated effort to get these people back into employment as quickly as possible.
“The State and Federal governments need to do more to guarantee these remaining jobs as has been done by the New South Wales, Victorian and Western Australian governments for their metals industries.”
