A new round of the Regional Jobs Fund was launched with the release of updated guidelines, making more money available for businesses to help country towns become even better places to live, work and invest.
This fund, part of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, is designed to support community projects and help councils to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.
Today’s launch was during the opening of a new hay processing facility at St Arnaud, constructed due to a Regional Jobs Fund grant under the previous round.
The facility is hay processing and export company Gilmac Pty Ltd’s sixth Australian production site and its second in Victoria with a site in Goornong, north east of Bendigo. The funding allowed the company to create 17 new full-time equivalent roles for St Arnaud.
Gilmac accounts for one quarter of Australia’s hay and straw exports. The new facility at St Arnaud will enable the processing and exporting of hay grown within a 100km radius of the town, providing a boost to the local economy.
The new facility will also lead to reduced transport costs, while potentially creating new supply opportunities for other local farmers.
When running at full capacity, the facility will be able to press up to 80,000 tonnes of hay per year and generate exports sales into Asian markets.
The new round of the Regional Jobs Fund will be open throughout the year to companies looking to grow their operations.
Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjf
