That is the message of assurance the leading food company has expressed after news that part of its operations at Coleambally were closed Monday this week.
SunRice said the “difficult decision” to close the CopRice blending plant was made “following a comprehensive review of its operations”.
On Monday morning, staff impacted and frustrated by the decision contacted Murrumbidgee Council.
It lead to Mayor Ruth McRae OAM publicly expressing “deep disappointment at the closure”.
SunRice later specified the closure affects four employees, who will be given an opportunity to take other roles within SunRice Group.
“The decision relates only to the blending plant, and the wider Coleambally site will continue to operate, including for rice paddy storage through the Australian Grain Storage (AGS) facilities,” a SunRice spokesperson said.
“Four employees are directly impacted, and the SunRice Group will seek to redeploy them within the business where possible.
“Those who cannot be redeployed will receive their full entitlements, severance payments, and access to a range of support services.
“The Group remains a major employer in the Riverina region, with a significant operational footprint and a workforce of around 600 employees.”
Cr McRae said the withdrawal of a business from the community, regardless of its size, could be devastating.
She said while only a small number of employees are directly based at the Coleambally site, the closure 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.
“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,” Cr McRae said.
“We will continue to advocate for our residents and businesses to attract and retain vital services and industry to the area.”
CopRice encompasses a portfolio of branded foods for pets, horses and ruminant species.
Its Coly 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.
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