Murrumbidgee Council Mayor, Ruth McRae OAM, has expressed the council’s deep disappointment at the closure of CopRice’s Coleambally blending facility from today.
Mayor McRae described the news as “devastating” for the community and said it was disappointing to see the withdrawal of a business, particularly one that has helped drive the region’s agricultural sector.
While only a small number of employees are directly based at the Coleambally site, it will also affect contractors, truck drivers and businesses connected to the mill, she said.
“It also represents the loss of a significant buyer for feed grains such as barley, lupins and corn, as well as by-products like almond hulls, broken rice and grape marc.”
The mill has operated in its current capacity since 2019, after being repurposed from the former SunRice mill, which closed during the 2015 drought.
Drought and seasonal conditions have again been linked to this closure, with large parts of southern Australia currently drought-affected.
“It’s another blow for our regional community following on from the Jerilderie and Darlington Point Bendigo Bank agencies that will also close in October,” Mayor McRae said.
“We will continue to advocate for our residents and businesses to attract and retain vital services and industry to the area,” she said.
