Australian Paper Calls for Further Governmental Support despite Contract Renewal
Australian Paper has welcomed the recent announcement that the Australian Government will continue their contract for security passport paper to June 2015, while noting that broader support for Shoalhaven’s unique range of recycled and value-added papers is needed for the Mill to remain viable.
“We thank Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, for her efforts in ensuring that the Australian Government continues to purchase passport paper from Shoalhaven,” Mill Manager, Bruce Borchardt said. “Shoalhaven Mill makes some of the best special purpose papers in the world - including watermarked security paper, recycled papers, coloured papers and heavy weight papers - and support for the entire range is needed.
“Australian Paper calls on the Australian Government to recognise the sustainability advantages of Australian made speciality paper when organising the printing of reports, gazettes, business stationery, ballot papers, business cards and brochures. Australian Government procurement for printed materials utilising recycled papers from Shoalhaven would be in line with its own ICT Sustainability plan, and would create an example for others to follow in mapping out a positive future for the Shoalhaven Mill.
Mr Borchardt added: “Without broad recognition from printers, paper merchants and Government of the value that local paper manufacturing adds to our communities, there is a very real risk that Shoalhaven Mill will not remain in operation.”
Shoalhaven Mill directly supports close to 100 local jobs and provides a unique range of papers, including recycled papers, chemically sensitised and watermarked security papers, which are not available from any other manufacturer in Australia.
The Shoalhaven Mill is part of Australian Paper, a vital part of Australia’s manufacturing industry, contributing $754 million in value-add to the Australian economy each year and directly and indirectly supporting around 6,000 full time equivalent jobs.