Victoria, Australia 03 March 2015 -- Australian Paper recently announced that it will close its manufacturing facilities in Shoalhaven, NSW during 2015.

Peter Williams, Australian Paper's Chief Operating Officer, said "despite the best efforts and ongoing support of our people at Shoalhaven over a number of years to remain competitive, the market for specialty and security papers such as cheque and watermark papers has continued to experience a significant and sustained drop in demand. Unfortunately, this has made the ongoing operation of the site progressively unviable.

"This situation has left us with no choice but to close the Shoalhaven facility which will result in the loss of 75 jobs. The exact timing of the closure is yet to be finalised but production will cease during 2015, taking into full consideration the needs of our valued customers," Mr Williams said.

"We understand this decision will be difficult for employees at Shoalhaven who have witnessed machine closures at the site in recent times as market conditions have deteriorated. We greatly appreciate their sustained hard work and commitment over many years.

Shoalhaven Paper Mill is the only specialty paper mill in Australia supplying a diverse range of products for the Australian and overseas-markets.

The mill has one paper making machine, a finishing facility, waste water treatment plant, sheet conversion and guillotining facilities. The Shoalhaven Mill produces around 14,500 tonnes of paper annually.