Shire laments Goldfields Turkeys' looming closure

The Northern Grampians Shire says the closure of Goldfields Turkeys in St Arnaud will be devastating for the town.

The company has begun winding down its operations ahead of an October closing date.

Mayor Wayne Rice says it could lead to the loss of up to 50 jobs, unless the business can be sold.

He says while it is disappointing, he is thankful the company admitted early that it was no longer viable to keep the business running.

"I'm just extremely thankful that they've recognised this and that they have decided to close the doors rather than continue to try and trade and become insolvent and walk away leaving employees and local creditors with massive debts," he said.

"So thank goodness that they've done the right thing by everybody in that regard."

He says Goldfields has at least given its workers time to look for other opportunities.

"I'm not too hopeful on too many jobs in the local area but hopefully people will go out and seek jobs and thank goodness that Goldfields have contacted the Northern Grampians Shire and told us what their plans are and they've asked us to support them in attempting to find a buyer for the factory as a going concern," he said.

"We'll see how we go with that one and if that doesn't work then sell off the plant and equipment."

Source: ABC News, 12 July 2012