The Victorian government has supported sixth-generation, family-owned beef company Greenham Australia to expand production at its regional Victorian abattoir, creating 270 new jobs and securing new contracts, including with Woolworths.
Parliamentary secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle represented minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes at Greenham Australia’s fully operational abattoir in Tongala, which has nearly doubled production to more than 1,300 cattle each day.
“Regional Victoria has the best beef producers and a world-class agribusiness sector that is driving billions of dollars of export value every year,” said Symes.
Greenham’s growth has been supported by the expansion of its Tongala facility and investment from the state government as part of ongoing efforts to attract new business, create jobs, and improve productivity and competitiveness in regional Victoria.
The Australian-owned company specialises in high-quality, responsibly raised beef. Originating from a small Melbourne butcher shop in the early 1800s, Greenham now exports to 25 domestic and international markets and employs more than 1,000 people.
“This expansion means more jobs for the community and a stronger future for the region,” said Greenham managing director Peter Greenham.
“With the support of the Victorian government, we’ve been able to modernise our operations and continue producing high-quality beef for customers here in Australia and around the world.”
Located in the Goulburn Valley region, the company completed upgrades at its Tongala facility in 2023, including new technology, a solar power system, and water recycling capabilities. Now fully operational, the site is providing a strong boost to regional employment and the livestock sector.
With a workforce of 500, the Tongala expansion has helped Greenham enter new international markets and secure contracts with global retailers, including McDonald’s.
Reflecting the growth of its Tongala operations, Greenham has also invested $5 million to expand a local caravan park and leased 20 houses in the area to accommodate workers.
Victoria reached a food and fibre export record of $20.1 billion in 2023–24. Beef exports, worth more than $2.5 billion annually, continue to play an important role in that success.
“We’re supporting companies like Greenham to expand and employ, backing our regional industries and the surrounding communities that rely upon them,” said parliamentary secretary for regional Victoria Michaela Settle.