The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the creation of hundreds of new jobs in the Goulburn Valley with new funding announced for a family-owned abattoir in Tongala.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today confirmed that Greenham and Sons would receive a grant under the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs Fund, enabling the business to undertake a $50 million redevelopment of its Tongala operation and create up to 230 new jobs.
The funding will allow the business to modernise its site by investing in state-of-the art meat processing equipment, energy saving recycling plant and equipment, and new cattle unloading facilities including covered stockyards.
Redevelopment of the abattoir will also include the construction of a “chilled beef” production facility that will unlock access to more lucrative export markets and help the business move into premium meat products.
Earlier this year, the business was forced to close part of its operations in the face of extreme cattle shortages and record livestock prices, resulting in significant jobs losses.
The new development is expected to increase turnover by 20 per cent, securing the future of the Tongala site and further strengthening the region’s reputation as a premier food producing region.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supports important community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.
The current round of the Regional Jobs Fund is open to companies seeking to grow their operations. The Fund is part of the Government’s almost $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015.
More information on the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is available at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“We are helping the Goulburn Valley move ahead – stimulating business and creating hundreds of new jobs.”
“We’ll support operations like Greenham and Sons that are committed to their local community and have a strategy to expand their reach and their workforce.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This development will make a real difference to the Goulburn Valley with more jobs for locals and a secure future for those workers who already have jobs.”
“This is great news for this region and many people will be happy to hear it.”
Reviewed 27 May 2021