An $82 million state-of-the-art pet food manufacturing facility that will source product locally has become the first new business to officially open its doors in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Masterpet’s arrival would provide a huge boost to the Central West, creating 60 local jobs, with opportunities for the business to expand even further to meet future demand.
“Our State’s first Special Activation Precinct is a transformational project for Parkes – and today we’re watching it come to life,” Mr Toole said.
“This new manufacturing facility is not only creating jobs but creating a new market for local farmers with nearly half the ingredients for the facility to be sourced within a 200 kilometre radius.
“This is just the beginning, with construction well underway across the precinct and investors lining up to bring more jobs and opportunities to boost our regional communities now and into the future.”
EBOS Group Chief Executive Officer John Cullity said the company’s 12,800 square metre Pet Care Kitchen uses the latest technology and locally sourced ingredients to produce premium Black Hawk kibble in house for the first time.
“Partnerships with local farmers will ensure crops are grown to the company’s exacting specifications and provide primary producers a guaranteed market for their product,” Mr Cullity said.
“I congratulate the NSW Government on its investment in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct and thank it for its support of our Pet Care Kitchen.”
Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM said, “This is a significant milestone for the Parkes Special Activation Precinct and a very exciting time for Parkes.
“This is the start of a new era for the region. The Special Activation Precinct will ensure that Parkes continues to boast a strong diverse economy and will create jobs and opportunities for the whole region when completed, particularly efficiently linking agricultural value-added products to world markets.”
Work on the game changing Northern Gateway Precinct is also kicking off, which will connect the Parkes Special Activation Precinct to the town centre and the Newell Highway and create hundreds of jobs during construction. The Stevens Group will invest $18 million to develop the project.
“The 20-hectare Northern Gateway will include a new highway service centre, as well as a future commercial and business park, creating hundreds more jobs across the Central West and driving further investment in Parkes,” Mr Toole said.
“Our Government has a big bold vision for regional NSW – and our Special Activation Precincts and the infrastructure and investment they bring is another way we’re helping to bring that vision to life.”
Mayor Keith said, “The connecting road from the Bypass to our CBD presents an opportunity for Parkes to alter the perception and behaviour of motorists, tempting them to turn at the large statement round-about and spend time and money in town, ultimately contributing to the vibrancy and economy of our town.”
Stage 1 of the Northern Gateway development is set to coincide with the completion of the Parkes Bypass in late 2024 and will include a new highway service centre and site infrastructure work, such as roads, water, sewer and other utilities.
