It seems only fitting that, after a tough few months on the employment front in the North East, an air-conditioning manufacturer provides a welcome breath of fresh air.
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News that more than 300 jobs will be created in Seeley International’s move across the Border from Albury to Wodonga is cause for celebration.
In May it was revealed up to 135 employees would be out of work with the closure of Murray Goulburn’s Kiewa plant and Thursday’s announcement came on the eve of milk production ceasing at the Tangambalanga factory.
Daniel Andrews has been under fire in the North East, namely for the sorry state of our rail service, but he came bearing gifts on his first visit to Wodonga as Victorian premier and for that he deserves praise.
Mr Andrews’ government provided financial incentives to Seeley International to shift south across the Border and cuts to regional payroll tax cuts also played a pivotal role.
The company has been based in Albury for almost 30 years but Seeley group managing director Jon Seeley said the incentives had been too good to refuse as it outgrew its existing factory in North Street.
“We have been looking for two years for alternative locations and the support of the Victorian government and (Wodonga Council) has been critical in us reaching this conclusion,” he said.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin was quick to congratulate Seeley International on its expansion but the move must surely serve as a warning to the NSW government.
We are in a unique position on the Border, often too far from Melbourne and Sydney to feel like we matter to our respective state governments.
Seeley International’s move should act as a reminder to those at Spring and Macquarie streets that there’s life outside the capital cities and things like the Victorian government’s cuts to regional payroll tax can be the catalyst for great things to happen.
While Seeley International’s was a terrific news story, it’s a different tale at Kiewa, where 120 years of history is about to draw to a close.
Victorian trade minister Wade Noonan echoed the sentiments of many in the region he called for more transparency from Murray Goulburn in the wake of its decision to sell the Kiewa Country milk brand and assets to a mystery buyer earlier this week.
It would be nice to know how many, if any, jobs that will save.