Country Nationals Kevin Humphries and Kevin Anderson are keeping NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell focussed on the plight of Gunnedah Timber Mill. Source: Namoi Valley Independent
Anderson, the Member for Tamworth, confirmed that his Barwon colleague, Kevin Humphries, had met with the Premier over the issue which has up to 50 timber industry jobs at risk and the future of the family-owned Gunnedah Timber Mill in doubt, due to logging constraints in the Pilliga.
Anderson said he had met with the Premier to discuss the issue and was confident something would be worked out.
“There are a number of options available including the land swap,” said Anderson.
“The premier has requested further briefings and a following up meeting which will include myself, Kevin Humphries, the Primary Industries Minister, Katrina Hodgkinson and Environment Minister, Robyn Parker.
“That meeting should happen in the next few weeks.
“I spoke with Paddy Paul [principal of Gunnedah Timber Mill]… and informed him of where we are up to on this issue.
“He is keen for me to continue to drive the issue for him and his family.
“I will continue to push and work hard to try and find a solution.
“I know there have been a lot of meetings but this issue is a very big issue and involves a government changing the status of a national park.”
The future of Gunnedah Timber Mill and its employees has been up in the air since the former State Labor Government locked up 350,000 hectares of the Brigalow Belt South Bio-Region in 2005.
At the time then Opposition Deputy Leader, Andrew Stoner, promised to overturn the decision when the Coalition was elected to government.
