Botched biofuels strategy cost jobs

West Coast miners should not lose their jobs because Solid Energy has wasted capital on a failing biofuels business says West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O’Connor.

“Changes by the National Government to the biofuels strategy effectively destroyed the Solid Energy project.

“I am also informed that the management of the project was less than productive and the company has had to walk away from millions of dollars invested in an industry it knew little about.

“There are also claims from the established rapeseed industry that Solid Energy is leaving a legacy of excessive costs, poor management decisions and dumping product on the local market that has undermined the viability of established growers and processes.

“Solid Energy should commit to complete the development of mines so that long term job opportunities can remain in the West Coast region,” said Damien O’Connor.