Coles have stated that a new automated centre would not be built in Goulburn to replace the closing distribution centre, due to commercial and logistical reasons.
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Coles management said if the automated centre was located in Goulburn “it would double the kilometres driven to service supermarkets around the state.”
Coles announced in October that the Ducks Lane Distribution Centre (DC) would close in about five years.
This will leave 250 to 300 people out of work.
The retail giant is closing five DCs in NSW and Queensland, opting instead for two automated centres, one in each state.
“The site for the new NSW distribution centre has not been finalised however, it would not be viable to locate the new facility in Goulburn,” a Coles spokesperson said on Monday.
His comments came following a meeting at the Coles DC in Goulburn on Monday between Coles management representatives, Angus Taylor MP, Pru Goward MP, Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk, general manager Warwick Bennett and Goulburn Chamber of Commerce president Mark Bradbury.
After the meeting, the Coles spokesperson said they were open to ongoing open communication with staff at the distribution centre and would work closely with the council and other key stakeholders to ensure the best result for the community.
“Coles is committed to engaging with all stakeholders as we work through the process of modernising our supply chain in NSW,” the spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to all who attended and for the positive and constructive meeting to discuss the future of the Coles DC in Goulburn. All parties have agreed to continue working cooperatively as the project progresses.”
Coles is a major employer in the Goulburn region. In addition to the DC, it directly employs over 770 team members across six supermarkets, and has five liquor stores and nine Coles Express sites.
“Coles will continue to keep team members updated on any decisions that affect them and we are committed to working with the team at the distribution centre to transition into other employment,” the spokesperson said.
Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Kirk was disappointed the city was losing these jobs.
"The past month has been a stressful time for the staff at the distribution centre and it is disappointing for our City and region to lose these jobs,” Cr Kirk said.
“We cannot lament the decision however; we need to focus on the future and the best thing we can do is to work actively in continuing to grow our economy.
“I am confident that Coles management will continue to consult with their staff, and the council is committed to working closely with Coles to help transition staff to new jobs in the region.
“I was also pleased to hear that they are open to considering fast-tracking early redundancies for staff who would like to move to other employment.”
But Labor candidate for Goulburn Dr Ursula Stephens said: “there was no good news coming out of Monday’s meeting.”
“Despite everyone’s efforts to paint the brightest picture, the fact is the centre is closing. Coles did not confirm a five-year time frame and there are genuine concerns from staff that it will close much sooner,” Dr Stephens said.
“It’s a shame that no-one was invited to the meeting to represent the workers viewpoint and to ask the questions the workers want answered.
“Shadow Minister for Regional Development David Harris outlined last month how other communities experiencing economic shocks like this have been supported by government, through a transition fund. We need a coordinated approach from government and the community, a skills audit and engagement from local businesses to employ the DC workers.”
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said Coles acknowledged the service of the workers.
“I feel desperately sorry for families that will lose these jobs in the next five years and I’m pleased that today Coles acknowledged their service,” Ms Goward said.
“We need to attract more business to fill the gap Coles will leave in the economy. I’m sure NSW Government’s investment in Goulburn will continue to attract new business to the region.
Angus Taylor MP said Goulburn was in a strong position to absorb these positions back into its rapidly growing economy.
“This is disappointing that people are losing their jobs,” Mr Taylor said.
“The Coles employees who will be offered redundancies, have the sorts of skills that will be quickly snapped up by growth industries here, such as the quarries and the new brewery that’s coming. Goulburn is doing well to attract these types of businesses and the employment opportunities are definitely here.”
Goulburn Chamber of Commerce president Mark Bradbury appreciated the fact that Coles’ representatives accepted the invitation to meet.
“I welcome the undertaking that the community, in addition to the Coles employees at the Goulburn DC, would be kept informed of developments,” Mr Bradbury said.
“It is crucial for there to be a collective effort, including involvement by the owners of the DC site – and this is where it is important for Coles to keep the community informed of its timeline as well as to do all that is possible to ensure there is a timely transition to the site being occupied by one or a number of enterprises that require a full time, skilled workforce, be they skills which match those of the Coles workers, or other skill-sets.”
