The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Meatco’s $2 million refurbishment and recommissioning of the Mildura Abattoir facility, creating new jobs and driving economic growth in the region.
The Labor Government has worked with Meatco over many years to secure the overall project which will create 80 new jobs and generate exports of up to $32 million a year.
Construction of the new facility is well advanced and Meatco expects to be operational in the coming months.
Meatco plans to process 6,000 sheep, lamb and goats per week at the reopened Mildura facility, with carcasses to be supplied directly to Cedar Meats in Brooklyn for export.
With approximately 25 per cent of Australia’s wild goats located within 300 kilometres north of Mildura, the reopened Mildura abattoir facility will help farmers who struggle with wild goats as pests on their farms.
Once processed, the meat will be exported all around the world to meet the growing demand for sheep and goat products.
In addition to the jobs at the abattoir, the project is expected to create jobs in support industries such as road freight transport, service and maintenance providers and other suppliers.
Through our $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, the Government is supporting initiatives across regional and rural Victoria that make regional Victoria a better place to live, work and do business.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“This is about supporting our farmers, meat processers and supporting the creation of local jobs across regional Victoria.”
“Processing in Victoria, rather than exporting live animals creates jobs locally and has better animal welfare outcomes.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“Reopening the Mildura Abattoir will create 80 new jobs and generate $32 million worth of meat exports. That’s great news for the local economy and the entire Mallee Region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020