NUMBERS alone never quite tell the whole story, especially when it comes to industries that were once the mainstay of a community but are now in decline.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The insights into the local paper mill and the huge place it held in the heart of the local community given by father and son Roy and Troy Bennett speak volumes, not just about employment but about the extended family the industry created.
It would indeed be a tragedy if the remnants of that industry were to succumb to pressures generated by the availability of cheaper paper products from overseas.
Mill management and the union representing the workers quite rightly acknowledge the good work Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis in lobbying the government to buy paper products produced in the Shoalhaven. She has been successful in helping the mill secure a contract to produce specialised passport paper.
However, more support is needed if the plant is to survive into the longer term.
It is to that end that the mill management and union have joined forces to stage a community forum to be held at the Shoalhaven Entertain-ment Centre tonight, Monday, July 21 at 7.30pm.
Understanding just how important this local industry is, the Register endorses every effort by the union, management and our local MP to support the paper mill.
In the first few weeks as Gilmore MP, Mrs Sudmalis undertook to throw her support behind the mill and she has done exactly that. We applaud her effort so far and encourage her to keep up the pressure on the government to ensure the plant’s future is made even more secure.