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Council welcomes $10m for Latrobe City food manufacturing precinct

Funding for a manufacturing precinct that would create jobs and boost economic development of the region.

By news@gippsland - 28th May 2021 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is thrilled the State Government has announced $10 million to fast-track the Latrobe City Food Manufacturing Precinct in Morwell. The new precinct is located next to a Bega Cheese fresh yoghurt processing facility, which demonstrates the commercial viability of food manufacturing in the region.

A new food manufacturing precinct in Morwell, to create 44 new industrial lots for food manufacturing and processing on 89 hectares of land next to the Bega Cheese factory, this precinct will create local jobs during construction, and has the potential to support 1,700 ongoing manufacturing jobs once it’s up and running

Necessary upgrades to infrastructure

The $10m in funding will allow for necessary upgrades to infrastructure to service the delivery of the precinct. The funding will be confirmed in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 this week and follows a comprehensive budget submission from Council and many years of advocacy.

Grateful for the funding

Council had the foresight to designate the 89ha precinct for future food manufacturing on Alexanders Road, adjacent to the existing Bega Cheese manufacturing plant. "Latrobe City Council is grateful to the State Government for allocating this funding in the budget," Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said. "We have a skilled workforce in our municipality and surrounds, and ample flat land to roll out the welcome mat to new industry.

Major source of jobs

Cr Sharon Gibson also said, "Manufacturing is a major source of jobs and in turn creates economic spin-offs for the region, as new businesses and their employees spend money locally, which contributes to the circular economy. At a time when we have lost power station jobs, and will lose more when the Yallourn power station closes in 2028, any announcement about the prospect of new ongoing jobs is a very welcome announcement."

Cr Gibson said Council had lodged a detailed budget submission to the State Government that requested $10 million for the development of the Latrobe City Food Manufacturing Precinct and has advocated over a number of years for increased funding for infrastructure to enable the development of a number of priority precincts.

Potential expansion of processors

The precinct has the capacity to accommodate up to 44 prime industrial lots and provides a high quality ‘modern’ industrial development. It has the potential to support 1700 ongoing manufacturing jobs once up and running. The lots will have potential access to the Gippsland water recycling plant and heavy rail spur line. The site could enable potential expansion of processors to meet growing national and global demand for Gippsland’s quality produce and significant ongoing employment opportunities.

Stimulating economic development of the region

Council wishes to acknowledge the State Government’s commitment to Latrobe City so far, with funding for a suite of projects across the municipality, including the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre and Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.

This funding will provide Latrobe City and Gippsland with modern facilities that meet the needs of a growing regional city, while stimulating further economic development and job creation. Council looks forward to working with the State Government in advancing the Latrobe City Food Manufacturing Precinct.

In the first instance, Council will work with Food and Fibre Gippsland to deliver the precinct and secure appropriate tenants to assist with the growth and diversification of the Latrobe City economy. Diversification of the local economy to support a range of manufacturing opportunities is crucial to our transition.

Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com