State Member for Hastings, Neale Burgess, has urged the Government to provide immediate assistance to Inghams Enterprises after fire severely damaged the Somerville processing plant.

 

In a letter to the Minister for Industry and Trade Martin Pakula and the Premier John Brumby, Mr Burgess emphasised the importance of the plant to the local economy, employing up to 1000 locals.

 

“This fire has not only potentially compromised the livelihoods of many local broiler farmers, but has also threatened the local economy which relies heavily on the spending of Inghams employees”.

 

“I have urged the State Government to work with all stakeholders to get Ingham’s back on its feet and guarantee the long term prosperity of the local community” said Mr Burgess.

 

The fire comes just eight months after the blaze at Bluescope Steel, Hastings which caused more than $50 million damage.

 

Mr Burgess has proposed a package that would enable the reconstruction of Inghams while protecting local jobs and minimising the effect on the local economy.