Of the 78 jobs cut from the global food company’s roster on Tuesday, 68 are based in Deniliquin.
The response has been one of anger, directed at successive governments who could have avoided the outcome if they had heeded warnings about the impact of water policy and water buybacks associated with the Murray-Darling Basin.
Federal Member for Farrer David Farley said he marched on the responsible department’s doorstep as soon as he heard the news.
“I met with the Department of Environment and Water yesterday and said ‘look, I'm not here to talk about water, I'm here to talk about 78 families who’ll, on Friday night, be assessing their future’.
“And this is all a direct relationship to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the availability of water.
“What really hurts is that we've got rivers in flood at the moment in the south.
“My challenge to them yesterday was, surely to goodness, this is an opportunity to treat this floodwater as environmental water and allow the water that's held in the dams to go back into the productive pool.
“I'm heavily engaged with Ricegrowers in particular, to see where we can help and really keep the pressure on.
“It's an easy amount of water for an easy amount of tonnage, and that puts people back to work straight away.”
NSW Member for Murray said 78 jobs gone is “what happens when the NSW Labor Government treats the Riverina as an afterthought”.
“NSW Labor keeps talking about supporting the regions while their water policies do the opposite,” Mrs Dalton said.
“You can’t buy back the water that grows the rice and still expect the mills to keep running at full capacity.
“This government needs to stop treating the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as untouchable and start listening to communities like Deniliquin and Leeton, who are paying the price for Sydney-made water decisions.”
Edward River Council Acting Mayor Kellie Crossley said council is working with government and agencies to identify support that would help keep affected workers in the community, while continuing to advocate for the region's future.
“Council will support any initiative that helps affected workers and their families remain in our community and transition into new employment opportunities,” Cr Crossley said.
“Discussions are already being scheduled with Workforce Australia and other relevant agencies to explore what support, retraining and employment pathways may be available for those impacted.
“Right now, our priority is ensuring those affected know they are not facing this challenge alone.
“For those impacted, this is more than the loss of a job. It brings uncertainty, financial pressure and concerns about the future.
“The rice industry has been part of the fabric of Deniliquin for generations, and these job losses will be felt far beyond the mill.”
• To read the full response statements from Mrs Dalton and Cr Crossley, click the links below.
