The Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, today called on the Victorian Government to clarify whether the Alstom Ballarat Train Factory would close in the middle of next year.
Fairfax Media reported today that the Global Head of Alstom said it was doubtful the Ballarat plant would remain in operation if the company was no longer making trains for Victoria.
“The Alstom Ballarat Train Factory has been building trains for over 10 years here in Ballarat and employs local staff. The uncertainty surrounding its future is causing much anxiety for the workers, their families and the community, “Ms King said.
“The factory has had a key role as a manufacturing base in Ballarat. If the factory closes more than 70 local jobs could be lost.
“The Ballarat manufacturing industry has already been hard hit by cuts from the Abbott Government. If the plant closes it will be another example of the Liberal State and Federal Governments abandoning the manufacturing industry in our region.”