Swickers restoration in full swing

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing its efforts to keep Swickers Kingaroy factory operational, following the recent fire in early November.

Speaking from a community barbeque in Kingaroy today for Swickers employees and their families, Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said the bacon factory is one of Kingaroy’s major employers and is critical to the local economy.

“We want to see this company get back to full production as soon as possible—for their 570 workers, and the other businesses in their supply chain,” he said.

“Staff from my Department of State Development have worked with South Burnett Regional Council and Swickers to allow trucks access to the Kingaroy site via an alternative road network.

“My Department and other state agencies have been holding briefings with council and the company to resolve issues as they are raised,” he said.

Dr Lynham said about 120 Kingaroy staff members have moved to the Wulkaraka premises in Ipswich to work at a new boning site, until the new boning facility is built in Kingaroy.

“The Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Ipswich City Council partnered to establish the temporary local planning instrument (TLPI), necessary for relocating the Kingaroy workers,” he said.

“This is a great example of the cooperation between government, council and the company.

“Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich plant owner, WilPak Meats, have shown exceptional work in locking down a new boning facility to strengthen Swickers’ operation. 

“The accommodation will consist of 25 demountable cabins, a kitchen facility and covered walkways.

“Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has been working with South Burnett Regional Council on necessary clean-up approvals.

“This is a terrific outcome for the company and for the workers and their families, particularly so close to Christmas.”

ENDS

Date:                           26 November 2016

Media Contact:          Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389