Up to 100 new local jobs will be created at a new multi-million dollar medicinal cannabis operation in the Lismore Government Area.
Lismore City Council worked with Australian company Cannapacific over the last 12 months guiding the company through the approval process to establish a modern medicinal cannabis cultivation and research facility in the Northern Rivers.
It is the only licenced medicinal cannabis facility in the Northern Rivers and one of the first in the country.
Lismore's Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook said Stage 1 of the development, which is about to go into production, will create an immediate economic boost to the local economy.
"This is a huge facility that will create much-needed economic activity and jobs for our community," she said.
"It is a very significant investment and I would like to congratulate Council staff and local tradespeople who worked with the company to set-up this facility in our community.
"It not only shows that Lismore is open for business but also that we can attract new industries to the area."
Stage 1 of the facility includes a 10,000 square metre high-tech glasshouse with fully-automated climate control to allow year-round production. It is estimated the site will produce approximately 10,000 kilograms of quality cannabis flower annually.
CannaPacific Operations Manager Tim Ritchie said Stage 1 construction was nearing completion and it expects to commence cultivation by mid-2020.
"With supply agreements in place in both domestic and international markets, we are well-positioned to create a sustainable local industry," he said.
The facility will also serve as an advanced Cannabis Plant Research and Development Unit in collaboration with the University of Newcastle.
CannaPacific currently has products on the market for prescription available through the Department of Health Special Access Scheme.
