The Victorian government is investing in Latrobe Valley jobs and supporting Gippsland’s food and fibre sector with major funding to accelerate plans for a new food manufacturing hub, Morwell Food Manufacturing Precinct.
The Morwell Food Manufacturing Precinct will be supplied with $10 million to help manage water and energy demands. Works will include vital construction upgrades relating to connecting power, water and sewage. Also, better access to the site will be built to facilitate the manoeuvre of heavy vehicles and manufacturing equipment.
This investment will strengthen Gippsland’s $7 billion food and fibre sector and support the future prosperity of the region as its economy diversifies.
“We promised to back Latrobe Valley workers and that’s what we’re doing – the investments we have made will deliver the services and support locals need, while at the same time creating new local jobs,” minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“This $10 million project will boost vital manufacturing capacity and act as a catalyst for wider economic development and jobs growth.”
Located next to a Bega Cheese fresh yoghurt processing facility, the Morwell Food Manufacturing Precinct will increase demand for specialised agribusiness and boost manufacturing jobs as critical mass develops.
The 89-hectare site will the accommodation capacity for up to 44 prime industrial lots and create local jobs during construction, then potentially supporting 1,700 ongoing manufacturing jobs when in operation.
“Morwell is moving ahead – investments like this build momentum and create a future of new and emerging industries with a spread of jobs and opportunities,” member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
“I look forward to seeing the Food Manufacturing Precinct take shape and businesses moving in.”
With the Victorian government’s $266M backing, Latrobe Valley has grown economically while jobs have been created and local businesses grown, following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station.
They have also supported the region with almost $400M in projects which generate more jobs for locals and a further $470M was announced last year towards Gippsland projects. This includes $2M for the Latrobe Creative Precinct, $95M for social and affordable housing in Latrobe City and Baw Baw Shire and $241M to complete the duplication of the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale.
A multitude of opportunities will continue to be provided for workers through the Latrobe Valley with further strong investments.