Hobsons Bay council and western suburbs state Labor MPs have called on the federal government to save Toyota’s Altona plant in the wake of Holden’s decision to stop manufacturing in Australia from 2017.
In a statement released last week, Toyota sounded uncertain about its future in Altona.
“This will place unprecedented pressure on the local supplier network and our ability to build cars in Australia,” it said.
“We will now work with our suppliers, key stakeholders and the government to determine our next steps and whether we can continue operating as the sole vehicle manufacturer in Australia.”
The Toyota plant, which recently cut 100 jobs, has 2400 workers, making it Hobsons Bay’s biggest employer.
Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said there was a need for the federal government to articulate how it might use its car assistance plan to support Toyota’s ongoing operation in Altona.
“Our municipality’s economic success has been built on our manufacturing and industrial sectors,” Cr Wilson said.
“We’ll do everything we can to ensure they continue to play a role in our economic future.”
Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the government would “further consult with Toyota” in the wake of Holden’s announcement that 2900 Australian jobs would go when the company stops manufacturing cars from 2017.
State Altona MP Jill Hennessy said she was deeply concerned about the impact on Toyota and the flow-on effect for workers employed in the supply of components.
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said Labor had provided a $500 million commitment to the car industry to the end of the decade and a promise of $300 million a year beyond 2020.
“The only way that Toyota will stay open is if the Abbott government admit they got it wrong and back Labor’s position on providing further assistance to the automotive industry,’’ he said.
Premier Denis Napthine said: “My government will be seeking urgent discussions with Toyota Australia to do all we can to help ensure their ongoing presence as a leading manufacturer in Victoria.’’
