Vol. Vol. 18 18 No. No. 27 30
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Wednesday, 2016 Wednesday, January February13, 3, 2016
Vegetable boost for Stawell BY SARAH SCULLY
W
immera leaders believe a $120-million hydroponics project planned for Stawell, designed to generate more than 300 jobs in four years, could have wide-reaching benefits for the region.
Sydney-based advisory firm Nectar Partners announced on Monday it will build a 40-hectare protected cropping operation, three kilometres east of the town centre. The company plans to grow high-margin fruit and vegetables, such as truss tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum and eggplant for Australian and overseas markets. Stage one includes a $32-million investment comprising 10 hectares of glasshouses and generating 85 jobs. Nectar Partners director Miles Sterrick said construction would start in June, with cropping operations underway by mid-2017. “Construction for stage two will then start, which is a second 10 hectares,” he said. “By 2019, it will start full operations.” Mr Sterrick said the project would create 308 jobs at full capacity, but estimated the
number could rise to 517 with associated employment. He said the company had already met with Longerenong College and Skillinvest leaders to discuss education and training opportunities. Mr Sterrick said the project would enable unskilled workers to undergo training programs to become skilled workers, with career pathways. The project is also designed to retain youth in the region.
Coup
Wimmera Development Association executive officer Ralph Kenyon said the project was a coup for the region and provided a good example of businesses diversifying. “The potential for protected cropping operations in other places in the Wimmera is certainly there,” he said. “If depends on access to water, power, gas if they need it, along with available land and a willingness to invest. Access to pipeline water makes it more sustainable as opposed to relying on rain, which as we know is unpredictable.” Mr Kenyon said large-scale projects required significant research and work. “People need a clear business plan, a clear target market and
IN THIS ISSUE
the right skills, but we’d certainly encourage people pursuing projects such as these to talk to us and to the economic development teams at their local councils,” he said. Mr Sterrick said the company took a scientific approach to find the right location for the project, using climate, road and gas infrastructure maps. He said the project could be replicated or expanded in the Wimmera. “Absolutely we would look at expanding it,” he said. “At the moment though, we’re concentrating on getting stage one at Stawell up and running.” Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Murray Emerson said the council was thrilled Nectar Farms chose to invest in Stawell. “It is a really exciting time for us. Something like this doesn’t come to small areas every day,” he said. “Stage one will create 85 jobs, including, construction, roadways, electricians and mechanics, leading into employing unskilled workers for planting next year.” Cr Emerson said the council hoped to secure State Government funding for the project. • Continued, page 3.
• Dairy project progresses
NEW CHAPTER: Sienna Treloar gives a nervous smile during her first day at Horsham West Primary School. Sienna was among preps across the region who this week experienced their first taste of school life. Secondary students also returned to studies as the new school year kicked into gear. Picture: KELLY LAIRD
• Community bus name competition
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