The State Government has allocated $10.2 million to 18 WA food and beverage manufacturing businesses that are looking to expand or relocate their operations.
The Value-Add Investment Grants Program is expected to generate 609 new local jobs and more than $132m in private sector investment in horticulture, seafood, beverages, meat and livestock, and premium food products.
CCIWA Member V&V Walsh is set to receive $700,000 through the grant program, which will go towards building a new cold storage facility.
The state-of-the-art facility is expected to create 134 new jobs and will help fulfil demand for the Bunbury-based sheepmeat and beef processor’s product in local and international markets.
The program is part of the $16.7 million Food and Beverage Fund, which is a component of the Government’s WA Recovery Plan to stimulate jobs in food and beverage businesses.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan says the funding would allow for the much-needed growth of WA’s food manufacturing sector.
“Western Australia is renowned for its fresh and diverse produce, however, our agribusiness sector remains largely concentrated by the production of raw commodities, with much of it destined for export markets.”
“Although small, our food and beverage manufacturing industry is growing and is job intensive with strong benefits for the broader WA economy,” she says.
“The Value Add Investment Grants program will increase skills and competitiveness related to WA’s value-adding production and processing across metropolitan and regional areas.”
