Progress welcomed on South-West food precinct, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 28-June-2011
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman today welcomed the latest steps towards the development of a South-West agrifood processing precinct.
A due diligence report, conducted by Cardno (WA) Pty Ltd on behalf of the South West Food Processing Precinct Steering Committee, found the Doral mine site south of Burekup presented no fatal flaws to becoming the location of the proposed precinct.
This will pave the way for Doral to commence feasibility studies for a precinct to be established on their current mine site after mining has been completed.
“The need for a food processing precinct has been brought to my attention by numerous sectors of the agricultural industry,” Mr Redman said.
“The precinct would allow processing companies to capitalise on being alongside each other and bring with it efficiencies not currently possible, due to the industry’s widely-spread nature.”
The Minister said a South-West food processing precinct made sense since a high proportion of Western Australia’s food processing was conducted in the region.
“While many jobs would be created by companies in the precinct, there would also be a high number of small businesses and support services required from the surrounding area which would benefit the region,” he said.
“The South West Food Processing Precinct Steering Committee, an industry committee, deserve recognition in getting the project to this phase of development.
“I look forward with interest to seeing the developers and the processing sectors working together to establish this precinct.”
