mmg.com.au

A Victorian Government grant and expansion of cool stores at Yarroweyah’s Mattina Fresh will lead to 12 new jobs in the town.

State Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said the $120000 government cash injection was provided through its $10million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund.

The fund was established to drive investment and jobs growth in the state’s flood-affected regional areas.

It adds to the company’s investment of about $700000 to install new energy-efficient cool rooms at its Kenny Rd plant.

Nick DeMaio said the company would look to its locals to fill the 12 new positions.

He said the new cool stores would ensure fruit could be stored long-term and would be available all year.

‘‘The expansion is happening right now — and it will be in full swing in six months,’’ Mr DeMaio said.

Mr McCurdy said Mattina Fresh was at the forefront of variety development, especially in the stone fruit arena.

He said the company aimed to become one of the leading export-based growers in Australia in coming years.

‘‘The company, which exports through Montague Fresh to 11 countries, is key to Montague’s strategic vision and expects its annual exports will increase with new markets opening in China,’’ Mr McCurdy said.

‘‘The (cool stores) investment is expected to generate downstream employment and economic activity along the value chain in a number of different areas.’’

Mr McCurdy said the flood recovery fund was helping to create sustainable jobs in the state’s flood-affected regions and encouraging private sector investment.

‘‘So far, the fund has provided $6.1million to 31 flood-affected regional businesses that will invest $111.7million, creating 563 new jobs,’’ he said.