Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick has said that the Murray Bridge community would be able to bounce back from the tragic structural fire that broke out at the largest employer in Murray Bridge, Thomas Foods International (TFI). 

“This incident is a tragedy and my thoughts are with TFI, their employees, individuals, primary producers, feedlotters, and freight operators who all have their livelihoods invested in this business,” said Mr Pederick.

“I toured the facility this morning, being briefed by emergency personnel on the status of the fire.

“Whilst a major part of the facility is lost, the emergency services crews did an excellent job to stop the fire from spreading to other parts of the plant. 

“TFI is the largest employer in Murray Bridge and is a major player in the red meat industry for South Australia.

“The Thomas family are major contributors to the local and state economy and through my conversations with management I know they are committed to seeing this facility up and running once again as soon as possible. 

“Murray Bridge is a resilient community and I know through this resilience, community spirit and determination will be able to weather this rough patch.

“TFI’s Murray Bridge abattoir employs 1,400 people and that’s why the State Government need to ensure they make available appropriate social services to workers affected and appropriate assistance for TFI. 

“As the Local Member, I am determined to work collaboratively with the State Government to ensure the best outcomes for workers, primary producers, feedlotters, freight operators and TFI as a whole. 

“Any family or individual affected by this incident that is struggling, I am here to help so please don’t hesitate to contact me."