A state government nursery at Narrandera has closed with the loss of 16 jobs. Source: ABC News
The Forestry Corporation says it decided last year to close its Narrandera nursery, after failing to outsource the facility.
Narrandera Shire Council objected to the plan, fearful of the loss of jobs, when it was first announced in 2011.
The Corporation said the retail and production nursery’s viability has been hit by the relocation of the pine seedling operation to Tumut and a reduced demand for native plants.
It concedes the uncertainty created by the sale process has been stressful for the four permanent and 12 casual staff at the Narrandera nursery, with several taking voluntary redundancy.
The state owned corporation says it has leased its other nurseries at Wagga Wagga, Gunnedah and Muswellbrook to private operators.
