mmg.com.au

A major expansion program is planned for Tatura Abattoirs following a $600000 funding announcement on Friday.

State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell, abattoir owner Justin Gathercole and Goulburn Valley Water’s chairman Mark Lawlor were in Tatura to announce the Tatura Abattoir Expansion Sewage Pump Station and Rising Main Project.

GV Water, Tatura Abattoirs and the Victorian Government will each contribute $200000 to the project.

The abattoir, which currently employs more than 120 people, will expand in the next few years, and this could not have been achieved without Friday’s announcement.

Representing the Deputy Premier and Regional and Rural Development Minister Peter Ryan, Mrs Powell said the project would allow increased production and deliver significant economic benefits for the region.

‘‘Over the next five years the company is investing $5 million to increase capacity from processing 9000 lambs per week to 12500 per week for the Australian market,’’ Mrs Powell said.

‘‘This will create an extra 50 jobs.’’

Mrs Powell said a key part of the expansion project would be the construction of a new sewer pump station adjacent to the facility, a 1600m sewer main and the establishment of a new connection to an existing sewer main which discharges to the wastewater management facility.

‘‘The improvements to the town sewer infrastructure will not only support the abattoir’s expansion, they will also help improve odour amenity within the township by redirecting the trade waste flows directly to the Tatura Waste Management Facility and may even support the expansion of other local industries by making additional flow capacity within the urban sewer system available,’’ she said.

Mr Lawlor congratulated Mr Gathercole on the business’ success in Tatura and was pleased to be part of this project.

‘‘Goulburn Valley Water has had a terrific journey over the years partnering with Tatura businesses and we see this as an appropriate investment,’’ Mr Lawlor said.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Jenny Houlihan also congratulated Mr Gathercole on the company’s achievements and plans to expand.

‘‘Council is happy to support the project, which will be of great benefit to Tatura Abattoirs and GV Water,’’ Ms Houlihan said.

Mrs Powell said the Victorian Government’s funding of $200000 for the project would be provided to Goulburn Valley Water through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

‘‘An important objective of the Regional Growth Fund is to improve the productive potential of regional Victoria, by strengthening industries, supporting and growing local economies,’’ Mrs Powell said.