Australian Paper completed the mill's $340 million upgrade in December last year, with PaperlinX managing director Tom Park admitting that costs and timing on the troubled project had "significantly over-run from our original estimates".
However, Brumby (pictured) was full of praise for the project at yesterday's opening, saying the completion was "great news for Latrobe Valley families, great news for the region's economy and great news for the environment with the redevelopment mill to feature a new elemental, chlorine-free bleaching plant that delivers world-class environmental performance".
"Australian Paper's Maryvale operation generates $500 million each year in economic activity for the region and is vital to the future prosperity for the Latrobe Valley," Brumby said.
"Its redevelopment will secure jobs for the 950 employees, most of which live locally, and also secure another 2000 jobs in the region in industries which rely on the mill, such as timber harvesting and haulage.
"This investment secures the long-term sustainable future of the mill and provides the basis for a prosperous future for the Latrobe Valley."
Brumby also hailed the environmental enhancements to the mill, which includes a recycled water scheme in tandem with Gippsland Water. The mill is now expected to cut sulphur oxide emissions by 80 per cent, whilst using 10 million litres a day of recycled water with the aid of a "membrane bio-reactor wastewater treatment and re-use facility".
The Victorian premier also welcomed Nippon Paper as the new owners of the mill.