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The Victorian Coalition Government will support a $39 million expansion of the processing facility at Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm with $2 million in funding, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum said today.
Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan at the Hazeldene’s site in Lockwood, Mr Drum said when completed the expansion was expected to create 105 full-time jobs.
“These 105 jobs are in addition to the existing 625 jobs at Hazeldene’s and the expansion is also estimated to create a further 101 construction-related positions,” Mr Drum said.
“The Coalition Government is pleased to support Hazeldene’s with the project as part of our commitment to deliver key infrastructure to enable regional industries to become more resilient and sustainable.”
Mr Drum said the government funding would support a component of the expansion designed to enhance water and energy security and help the company reduce its environmental footprint.
“The Energy and Water Security Project includes the construction of a 7.5 km private water supply pipeline which will increase the potable water supply capacity at the Lockwood site by 252 megalitres per year,” Mr Drum said.
“An anaerobic digester will also be established to convert waste to biogas which can then be used to help fuel a new co-generation unit, providing thermal and electrical energy and reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 6,920 tonnes per year.”
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the project was a great example of how the Economic Infrastructure Fund, part of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, could support regional industries and help grow local economies.
“The Economic Infrastructure Program provides funding of $216 million over four years, with the aim of improving the productive potential of regional Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.
“Supporting our regional and rural industries through investment in economic infrastructure is key to ensuring our existing and emerging businesses can operate successfully.”