- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 11/Jul 00:46

Mixed messages putting jobs at risk at Boyer Mill

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) says the state government and Hydro Tasmania are sending mixed messages about whether there is enough power for Boyer Mill’s proposed electrification project. Source: Pulse Tasmania AMWU State Organiser Jacob Batt has warned the confusion is putting hundreds of jobs and Tasmania’s industrial future at risk. Mr Batt said workers are “concerned and confused” after hearing conflicting claims that extra power is both available and not available for the mill’s plan to switch its boilers from coal to electricity. “It’s extremely difficult to understand, is there enough power, isn’t there enough power, when the government is saying one thing and Hydro Tasmania are saying another,” Batt said. The dispute centres on Boyer Mill’s plan to replace its coal-fired boilers with electric alternatives as part of its efforts to cut carbon emissions. The mill, which has operated for more than 80 years and directly employs over 300 people, needs extra power to make the transition stack up. Batt believes Hydro is failing to live up to its ministerial charter to provide affordable power, support jobs and help grow the state’s economy. He claimed the state-owned utility was “putting its nose at the Tasmanian government” and placing commercial interests ahead of local industry. “By Hydro Tasmania not offering Tasmanian prices of cheap energy for additional energy to Boyer Mill is in direct conflict with the ministerial charter,” he said. The union is calling for urgent action to resolve the pricing dispute and set a clear energy policy to attract major industrial investment to Tasmania. The AMWU says it will seek commitments from all parties before the state election to make sure Hydro follows its charter and backs Tasmanian industry with competitive power prices. Hydro Tasmania previously told Pulse that extra power is available and can be sourced for the mill and that discussions are ongoing.