Govt ignites local economy and fuels industry

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Govt ignites local economy and fuels industry development.

GlaxoSmithKline joins the people of Moyne Shire in applauding the Bracks Government's decision to connect natural gas to Port Fairy. The announcement today by Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, paves the way for GSK to expand its facility, increase local jobs and drive exports of Australian alkaloids.

"GSK is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the State Government contribution, we will contribute $1 million towards the connection of natural gas to Port Fairy. Connection to reticulated gas with its accompanying process and safety improvements offers operational savings that will enable GSK to expand the Port Fairy facility. This not only ensures that GSK can remain the leading player in the competitive world alkaloid market, it significantly benefits the local, state and national economies" said Tim Bowser GSK Port Fairy Operations Manager.

GSK has a strong heritage in Port Fairy and, in partnership with the local community, has for many years supported the campaign to have Port Fairy connected to the gas pipeline. Local community benefits will include a lower cost of energy for other local industries, the local hospital and all the Port Fairy community.

"GSK has already invested over $30 million in our Port Fairy facility in recent years and the natural gas connection means we can now progress plans to invest over $20 million in further expansion. On top of this, our expansion budget includes over $8 million on local contractors that can only be good for Port Fairy and the local area" said Mr Bowser.

"Clearly this is a win for the people of Port Fairy, and a strong indicator that the Bracks government has listened and acted - not only in the interests of regional Victoria, but to the benefit of the Australian economy" concluded Mr Geoff Zippel, Director of GlaxoSmithKline Australia Chemicals Division.

ENDS

The connection of Natural Gas to Port Fairy will be contingent on the upcoming signing by GSK of a contractual agreement with SPI Pty Ltd (TXU)

Issued by GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.