Flood funding brings jobs to Mildura

A $60 million state-of-the-art almond processing investment by Olam Australia which is set to generate 90 new jobs was officially announced today by the Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva.

Speaking on-site during a visit to Mildura, Mr Dalla-Riva said the investment decision was of major significance to Victoria, and to the Sunraysia region.

“In addition to the 90 direct jobs, the project is expected to generate downstream employment and economic activity along the value chain in construction, packaging, waste recycling, transport, storage and logistics,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

“It will also result in more than $100 million worth of exports in 2013 to around $150 million in 2015.

“Victoria is already a globally competitive food processor and the strengthened presence of Olam – one of the world’s leading agribusinesses – will further add to our capabilities,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

Member for Mildura Peter Crisp said Olam’s investment is a major jobs boost and will strengthen Mildura’s international reputation as a producer of top quality food products.

Olam Australia is a subsidiary of Singapore-based Olam International which owns and operates integrated agribusinesses in 65 countries.

The new plant will be situated close to Olam’s Mildura almond orchards and will be one of the world’s largest and most efficient plants of its kind, capable of processing 40,000 tonnes of almond kernels annually.

Mr Dalla-Riva said the Victorian Government was pleased to have supported the investment through its $10 million Business Flood Recovery Fund which was set up to drive investment and jobs growth in flood-affected regional areas.

“The Government’s support for this project is part of our strategy to drive resilient and diverse regional economies; and to back strong, export-focused industry and job-creating investments,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

“It also reflects our commitment to Victorian manufacturing, which is a strong source of full time employment and has many flow-on benefits to the wider economy.”

While in Mildura Mr Dalla-Riva also visited the Mildura Fruit Company, the Mildura Development Corporation, Treasury Wine Estates and Thurla Farms.