Government support of Solid Energy a must

The Government has to step in and support Solid Energy if a viable mine plan can be developed for Spring Creek, West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O’Connor says.

“Yesterday’s meeting between union delegates and Solid Energy which I attended was very productive and I hope the start of a new and more positive working relationship.

“This mine is too important to the company, to the workers, and to the community for a short-term dip in international coal prices to close the operation.

“A constructive dialogue has now been established between the workers and the company and I hope that a realistic and viable alternative to closure can be found.

“Labour Leader David Shearer is coming to the West Coast on Monday to meet with union delegates and Development West Coast so he can hear first-hand about the challenges facing the workers, Solid Energy, and our community.

“Labour knows the consequences of the immediate closure of Spring Creek will be severe for the Coast.

“The Government also needs to understand this.

“Steven Joyce is in Greymouth today. He needs to tell John Key to give a clear commitment and shareholder support to the continuation of mining at Spring Creek,” said Damien O’Connor.