Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says the Tahmoor mine closure will be ‘devastating’ for the local region. “350 employees and their families will be struggling with the reality of this,” Mr Taylor said.

“For those of us who live in the region, it’s the clearest example of the mining downturn hitting hard at the community level.”     

Mr Taylor said employees had been told in a series of face to face meetings today that the mine would be closing down by 2019, after 40 years of operating as one of the largest employers in the district.

“I understand this will be a phased, wind down of the mine, to give staff the most time to adjust and look at their options. Re-deployment within the company is the main goal, however with the sector in downturn, the company may not find replacement work for all employees.

“I am offering my full support to staff and their families. I will be meeting with Glencore management to talk through ongoing support for employees and I will be arguing hard for a full range of options for redeployment.”

Mr Taylor said Glencore would be providing financial guidance, counselling and support for staff.

“There is a need for all of us to step up and offer what support we can for those losing their jobs, for their partners, and their kids at school.

“This will take many months to play out and we’ll be left with a big impact on the local community and economy.”