FUNDING promised at the last federal election has been handed over to papermaker Norske Skog for improvements at the Boyer mill, along with a serve for the state government. Norske Skog Boyer is now Australia’s only producer of paper for newsprint, magazines and books, all produced at its riverfront factory just outside New Norfolk.
During last year’s federal election, a $2 million commitment was secured by the federal member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, for upgrades at the mill. Mr Mitchell this week visited Boyer to discuss challenges and opportunities in the area with general manager Patrick Dooley.
“Norske Skog is an important employer in southern Tasmania and is now the last remaining Australian producer of paper for newspapers and magazines,” Mr Mitchell said. “This Australian Government funding will allow the mill to transition from a coal boiler to an electric boiler, which is more economically efficient and better for the environment.
“The only thing now standing in the way of that transition is the inability of the Tasmanian Liberal Government to provide the required amount of electricity, due to chronic under-investment over the past 10 years in Tasmania’s hydro-electric generation capacity. It is vital that the Tasmanian Liberal Government provide Boyer with the power it needs so the mill can remain nationally and globally competitive,” Mr Mitchell said.
Picture: Norske Skog Boyer general manager Patrick Dooley, left, with the federal member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell MHR.
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