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Backing Ballarat Jobs, Unlocking The Potential

06 January 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is bringing more jobs and businesses to Ballarat, marking a major milestone in the progress of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ).

Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, announced the completion of the initial sub-division works for the game-changing project in Ballarat today.

A $30 million joint initiative between the Victorian Government and the City of Ballarat, BWEZ is a long term project to unlock land for industry to attract large-scale businesses to Ballarat.

The first sub-division of 35 hectares has seen the development of suitably sized, fully serviced and affordable industrial and commercial land to support Ballarat’s industrial expansion.

Ballarat firm, Pipecon and many local subcontractors worked to deliver the high quality industrial sub-division which will meet the needs of innovative and expanding businesses.

A number of sales have already been completed, with Broadbent Grains currently constructing its facilities on over ten hectares of land. Agricultural machinery specialist Agrimac and freight distribution company Kane Transport are among other landowners who will be making the precinct their home.

Together, the businesses that have already purchased land at BWEZ are expected to create approximately 160 new jobs on site and generate almost $130 million in investment.

By unlocking industrial land and attracting large-scale businesses to Ballarat, the Labor Government is building on the region’s existing strengths to support economic growth over the next 20 years.

BWEZ is set to become a high quality industrial estate for a range of manufacturing, agribusiness, construction, freight and logistics and research and development uses.

It has been designed to enhance business productivity, with a freight hub on site, access for high productivity freight vehicles, top quality infrastructure, and close access to Ballarat airport.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“Ballarat West Employment Zone is the region’s engine room for jobs and economic growth over the next 20 years and we’re proud to play our part in making this happen.”

“With the initial subdivision works complete and commercial interest above and beyond our expectations, the project team will turn its mind to a second release of land - that’s great news for Ballarat.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“This marks another major milestone in transforming this precinct into a new hub of economic activity for Ballarat that will create local jobs.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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