Management was reported to have met with workers on Friday about the closure but messages have been mixed about what was said.

Some have formed the impression that Coles would shut the Ducks Lane facility within the next year. Others have told The Post there has been no change on its original announcement.

A Coles spokesman denied any firm date had been set.

“The timeline for the closure of the Goulburn distribution centre has not been decided,” he said.

“There is no change since we announced the supply chain modernisation project in October.”

The chain announced then that it would close the Goulburn DC and four others in preference for two automated DCs – one in NSW and another in Queensland – to be built in the next five years. It will leave 250 to 300 local employees out of work.

Mayor Bob Kirk said Coles issued a statement to the council, unprompted, on the back of Monday’s rumours.

“They’ve said no decision has been taken on the closure date and they will continue to liaise with us about when it will happen. Beyond that, we are none the wiser,” he said.

A National Union of Workers NSW spokesman also said no timeline had been confirmed but Coles had told the union that one year would be a ‘worst case scenario.’

It has sought an “urgent meeting” with management to discuss the closure’s impact, including transition arrangements, redundancy, redeployment, retraining, support services and alternative opportunities. This is set down for early February. The union remains “deeply disappointed” by Coles’ decision to close the DC.

“The NUWNSW will stand by Coles workers to fight for the best possible outcome during this difficult time,” he said.

Goulburn MP Pru Goward sought clarification this week after hearing the same reports.

Coles general manager of corporate affairs Sarah Adams advised her no decision had been made. 

Ms Adams confirmed there had been a meeting with workers on Friday.

Ms Adams told Ms Goward in a statement that employees would be the first to be informed of any updated information.

“I remain most concerned about the job losses and will continue to push for certainty,” Ms Goward said.

“Regional centres like Goulburn have a lot to offer and I will continue working with the NSW Government to bring more job and investment opportunities.

“Our record investment in regional NSW and Goulburn in particular will continue to create opportunities and I’m determined that Coles can take advantage of that.”

Labor candidate for Goulburn Dr Ursula Stephens told The Post the uncertainty reinforced the need for a coordinated response.

“We need to find a way to support workers and their families and acknowledge that this will be a big hit on the community and have a ripple effect,” she said.

“It’s very important we have a plan, as Shadow Regional Development Minister David Harris has outlined, and I call on the NSW Government to provide an assistance fund to transition people into work and help affected businesses.”

Dr Stephens said the NUW had estimated the Coles DC injected $25 million annually into the Goulburn economy.

The news isn’t all bad.

Figures from the National Institute of Economic Industry and Research show a 3.93 per cent rise in jobs growth in Goulburn Mulwaree in the year to June, 2018.

The 13,811 jobs in the council area contrasted with 13,289 in 2016/17 and 13,118 in 2015/16.

The council says it’s a sign of rising confidence in the economy and comes on the back of positive retail numbers in Goulburn’s CBD. The December occupancy audit showed Auburn Street vacancies were down to 15.3 per cent, one of the lower numbers in recent years, a spokesman said.

But while delighted with the figures, Mayor Bob Kirk said there was still work to do and the council was focused on projects.

“As a council we are really positive about the future of our economy, which is diverse and growing strongly. Earlier this year we have obviously had some negative news in relation to the closure of the Coles Distribution Centre, and that will be a difficult transition for the people employed there, but the good news is there is time to prepare and find other employment,” he said.

“In particular from 2016/17 to 2017/18 the region experienced strong growth in manufacturing, construction, agriculture and health care and social assistance industries. A total 590 jobs were created in these areas over this period.” 

At North Goulburn, several businesses want to set up, including a poultry processing plant, currently in development application stage, and Sydney based manufacturer of light and heavy engineering castings, Camcast.

The latter’s director Mark Rath told the council that development was forcing his business out of Sydney after 68 years. Goulburn’s land prices, location and potential for fast rail were major drawcards.

The council also recently updated its investment prospectus, which sets out the strategic advantages and key information for businesses looking to establish in the region. The Prospectus is available on the Goulburn Australia website, from the Visitor Information centre or from the Council Civic Centre in Bourke Street. 

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