The Nationals Member for Gippsand Darren Chester is challenging more government departments to purchase Australian-made paper, in the wake of a new report which confirms the Maryvale Mill contributes $450 million to the Gippsland economy. The Western Research Institute report found the mill supports 2,300 flow-on jobs in the Latrobe Valley. At a national level, Australian Paper’s operations generated almost $1 billion per annum in economic benefits for Australia.“Since becoming a Minister I’ve successfully urged my departments to use Australian-made paper and the challenge is there for governments of all levels to support local manfucaturing jobs,” Mr Chester said. Mr Chester said the mill was the largest private employer in the Latrobe Valley, with approximately 900 employees. “The Maryvale Mill is Australia’s largest integrated pulp and paper manufacturing complex, producing more than 500,000 tonnes of paper every year,” Mr Chester said. “It has operated in the Latrobe Valley as a pulp and paper mill for 80 years and is a vital contributor to the Latrobe Valley community. “The success of the mill is great news for workers at the mill, but also small businesses and tradespeople across the broader Latrobe Valley community.” Mr Chester said the report confirmed the success of the recent $90 million investment into a wastepaper recycling plant. “The Federal Government provided $9.5 million towards the recycling plant and it is pleasing to note the new plant is now supporting 80 jobs in the Latrobe Valley.” Australian Paper’s Chief Operating Officer Peter Williams said the research demonstrated the significant economic contribution made by local paper manufacturing. “The economic benefits flowing from our operations are particularly important for the Latrobe Valley. As most people know, this region has experienced tough times recently, including the announcement of the closure of the Hazelwood power station.” The national benefit includes $911 million in gross domestic profit, $495 million in household income and 5,000 full time equivalent jobs.