Photo: Twitter

Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan joined with Alcoa workers today to celebrate the smelter’s imminent return to full production.

The Labor Government’s support has provided certainty for smelter employees, supply chain companies and Portland businesses that have been worried about their future. It has also created a pathway towards a more sustainable future for the facility.

The smelter is Portland’s largest employer and more than 1,600 supply chain and indirect jobs depend on its operation.

It directly supports 650 employees and contractors, and injects more than $120 million into the Portland region every year.

Minister Noonan also visited the Port of Portland, which handled a record 7.6 million tonnes of cargo worth over $2 billion in 2016-17, as well as Keppel Prince Engineering and Porthaul – two companies that are growing and investing in the region.

The Labor Government is supporting economic growth and diversification in the Glenelg region. The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provided $500,000 to start planning for the future of sustainable employment and industry in the region.