“It’s a sombre feeling in town, it’s hurting everyone.”
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With those words from Myrtleford Bakehouse owner Matt Quinn, the tone was set for a fiery community meeting over a Carter Holt Harvey mill lockout that has divided the town.
Throughout the 10-week lockout, we’ve heard stories of heartache from workers, both non-union members and those affiliated with the CFMEU, business owners, politicians and residents of the resilient North East town that has long punched above its weight.
The sole party we’ve heard nothing directly from is the one that’s central to this whole saga – Carter Holt Harvey.
Carter Holt Harvey has refused to comment to The Border Mail and other media since the lockout was enforced in April and the company was a no-show at Monday’s community meeting at McNamara Reserve.
It has been steadfast in not letting employees back into the mill despite a plea from union workers to return ahead of a second vote on the company’s pay deal at the end of this week.
While Carter Holt Harvey is entitled to stand its ground on the matter, just as the union workers did for more than two months, it should also offer an explanation and be visible to the community that has served it so well.
Worth an estimated $13.6 billion, Carter Holt Harvey owner Graeme Hart is New Zealand's richest man. He might be able to survive a few months without a pay packet but the families of Myrtleford are feeling the pinch and deserve more respect than they’ve been shown.
Let’s hope $140m is enough
We could be forgiven for being cynical in this part of the world when it comes to funding announcements on rail.
First, we had what we thought was fantastic news last month with $100 million allocated in the federal budget to improve the state of the North East line.
Somewhat disappointingly, the Victorian government then said $100 million wasn’t enough and that it couldn’t provide new rolling stock if the track wasn’t up to scratch.
Well, here’s hoping that $140 million is enough to get the ball, or trains, rolling.
There’s a simple answer to that.
Now.