Ipswich Council has been praised by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad for the assistance it has given with the temporary relocation of Swickers workers.
The Council prepared a temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) which paved the way for the relocations.
“This is a great example of the State and Council working together to help secure the company’s operations and the jobs of hundreds of workers,” Ms Trad said.
“The workers and the company needed both levels of government to step up and together our actions have secured temporary operations for at least 12 months, with the possibility to extend if needed.
“The move involved the need for temporary staff accommodation near the Wulkaraka premises.
“Ipswich City Council prepared the TLPI in extremely short time and the State Government fast-tracked the assessment and approval to give the workers a sense of security as quickly as possible.”
The accommodation will consist of 25 demountable cabins, a kitchen facility and covered walkways.
State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said State Government officers had been working closely with Swickers and its parent company, SunPork, since the fire.
“Our focus has been on helping the company get back in operation and employees back to work, in Ipswich and Kingaroy,” Dr Lynham said.
“We’ve been co-ordinating across government agencies and with Council to speed the required approvals and reduce red tape.
“For instance, departmental staff have worked with council and Swickers to allow trucks access to the Kingaroy site via an alternative road network.”
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