He spoke in support of the Fletcher International workforce as Independent Member for Dubbo Dawn Fardell called on State and Federal governments to do more than offer soon-to-be displaced staff Centrelink payments.

Fletcher International managing director Roger Fletcher yesterday confirmed the axing of up to 300 jobs at his Yarrandale Road plant.

Mayor Smith described the timing of the Fletcher job loss announcement as “tough” as families prepare for Christmas.

“But this is not the first time Roger Fletcher has had to review job numbers,’’ he said.

“Fletcher International has survived similar problems in the past and the city and district will survive this.

“Dubbo is a large service centre with a diverse economy. We fared well through the global financial crisis because belts had already been tightened due to 10 years of drought.

“Roger Fletcher cannot control the fact that sheep numbers are at an all-time low throughout Australia. Industry and government need to think seriously about the impact of live sheep exports. Surely it would be better to slaughter sheep in Australia instead of sending jobs overseas.’’

Ms Fardell yesterday urged the community to remain calm in the wake of the Fletcher International announcement and not to blame the managing director in any way.

“Roger Fletcher is an astute businessman and he would not have taken the drastic measure of cutting jobs unless it was absolutely necessary,’’ she said.

“We need to remain hopeful of a turn around. In the meantime, Mr Fletcher is safeguarding the future of his business by downscaling.’’

Ms Fardell wants State and Federal departments to look at what is available to help people caught up in Fletcher job cuts.

She believes there should be “more than just Centrelink.’’

“I have put calls through to new Regional Development Minister Ian Macdonald and my office is available to any Fletcher staff members seeking assistance obtaining resources.’’