By NICOLE VALICEK
AN estimated 2500 manufacturing workers will be left jobless at Toyota’s Altona plant but Hobsons Bay is still an important industrial and manufacturing hub, according to mayor Sandra Wilson.
Toyota Australia president and chief executive Max Yasuda made the announcement to employees that it will no longer make cars in Melbourne beyond 2017 last Monday afternoon.
The world’s biggest car maker will stop building cars in Australia and become solely a vehicle importer for the first time since 1968.
The news will also leave up to 50,000 workers in supporting industries out of a job, in addition to the 2500 at Toyota.
The media shy boss said he was “devastated” by the news and blamed its closure on too many factors beyond their control that made it unviable to build cars in Australia.
Toyota lost an estimated $1.75 billion over the past 10 years – despite an injection of about $1.2 billion in taxpayer dollars over that period.
“Although the company has made profits in the past, our manufacturing operations have continued to be loss making despite our best efforts,” Mr Yasuda said.
Hobsons Bay City Council Mayor Sandra Wilson said the decision was a blow for manufacturing not only in Hobsons Bay, but for the western region, the state and at a national level.
“The major impact of this decision will be felt at the Altona plant, which has been an integral part of our community for many years,” Cr Wilson said.
Cr Wilson said the council is committed to the long-term economic success of the municipality, and is developing an economic development strategy to plan for the long-term success.
“There are many opportunities for new investment, diversification and the creation of new jobs.”
Cr Wilson said Hobsons Bay was still an important industrial and manufacturing hub.
“We are working with other western region councils, and as part of LeadWest, to maximise economic investment for the region,” she said.
The council will be talking with other levels of government about future economic and employment opportunities in the municipality.
“Council just endorsed an Advocacy Strategy which provides a framework for the council to advocate on key community concerns, which include economic development and employment.”
