Call for temp jobs after abattoir fire

Businesses in South Australia's southeast are being called on to offer temporary jobs for the employees of an abattoir ravaged by fire.

Businesses in South Australia's southeast are being called on to offer temporary jobs to workers from an abattoir ravaged by fire last week.

Regional Development Australia's Jo Podoliak says it's critical industry, government and the community support the displaced workers of Thomas Foods International.

"If you are a business who can fill a temporary gap for TFI employees, we encourage you to contact Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland to register your interest," she said.

"RDAMR has already been overwhelmed with offers of support for TFI and other impacted organisations from both the business sector and members of the public."

Excavators have been brought in to access a basement of a four-storey building within the Murray Bridge plant, where the fire continues to burn more than a week after it broke out.

The blaze was sparked when a worker accidentally ignited an offal bin while welding.

Boning rooms and storage facilities were severely damaged before the fire was brought under control with the damage bill likely to be tens of millions of dollars.

Following the fire, TFI has repeatedly assured locals of its intention to rebuild at the Murray Bridge site.

"The long-term and sustainable approach to the recovery and rebuild following the Murray Bridge fire requires an enormous collaborative effort involving many other organisations and authorities that provide much-valued support," chief executive Darren Thomas said.

In the meantime, the company will increase production at its Tamworth and Lobethal plants but said in a statement its Wallangarra plant, in Queensland, remained closed and was not being considered as part of redeployment plans.


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Source: AAP


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