THE workforce at Ararat Abattoirs will expand by 10 per cent with a $1.15 million investment, including a state government grant.
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Yan Yean MP Danielle Green announced the co-investment on Monday.
The lamb and mutton abattoir will use the investment to improve its production line and add value to its global exports.
Ms Green said $250,000 from the state government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund would help secure the abattoir’s 300 existing jobs and add 30 more.
“That’s great news for the local economy and the community of Ararat,” Ms Green said.
“From July 1, (the government is) making it easier for regional Victorian businesses like Ararat abattoir do business and create jobs by cutting payroll tax by 25 per cent – making it the lowest rate in the country.”
The tax cut will only apply to businesses spending more than $650,000 in their total payroll.
Ararat Abattoirs general manager Michael Stapleton said the expansion would occur across the next 12 months.
“It will allow us to expand our plan so we can gain some efficiencies and put in some vital machinery that will allow us to do some value-added product,” Mr Stapleton said.
“In doing that it will allow us to offer a great range of products to our customers, which will in turn boost production and grow the business.
“We’re glad of the helping hand from the government.”
The upgrade includes packaging equipment and a larger boning room.
Ararat Rural City mayor Paul Hooper said the growth would have a flow-on effect to the area’s economy and help increase the population.