Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, speaking at today's Australian Fresh Salads announcement that will create 20 new jobs.
The Victorian Coalition Government is investing $200,000 to enable a major Australian horticultural company to expand its vegetable processing facilities in Maffra, which will increase production and productivity and create 20 new jobs.
In Maffra, Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan joined Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs and The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull to announce the funding.
Mr Bull said that the Coalition Government was proud to be investing in the project with funding from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.
“Our funding will enable Australian Fresh Salads Pty Ltd (AFS) to improve and expand its vegetable operations in Maffra by undertaking a $1.5 million expansion project,” Mr Bull said.
“This is a very important project for Maffra and our state because AFS has chosen to expand its vegetable production operation in Victoria.
“AFS is a major Australian producer of fresh cut salads, specialising in the growing, harvesting and processing of salad products for the retail, food service and wholesale markets.
“After the 2011 floods in Queensland, AFS decided to begin investment in Victoria by purchasing land at Maffra in the Macalister Irrigation District.
“In 2012, the company successfully invested in land, irrigation infrastructure, a vegetable cool room, processing and storage facilities in the Maffra region, which has now resulted in further investment of $1.5 million.
“The current Victorian operation has approximately 15 employees, with this expansion to create an additional 20 new jobs in Gippsland.”
Mr Ryan said AFS’s investment would involve the construction of a new vegetable processing, washing and drying facilities and new plant and equipment to support the existing infrastructure.
“It will also include construction of a micro testing, quality control and food safety validation operational area, an increased refrigeration capacity and new truck loading facilities,” Mr Ryan said.
“AFS’s expansion in Gippsland will result in the company being able to reliably supply year-round demand for its products due to operating in both Queensland and Victoria, with counter seasonal climatic conditions.
“The project will also provide AFS with the opportunity to enter export markets in South East Asia.”
Mr Ryan said the Regional Growth Fund had invested $200,000, with the balance of the project funds being provided by AFS.
“Our $1 billion Regional Growth Fund is investing in community-led projects to strategically drive jobs, investment and innovation in rural and regional Victoria.
“Since it was established in 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has delivered almost $440 million, generating $1.8 billion in total investment across 1,600 projects.”
Mr Ryan said the project would be completed in November this year.
