The Wimmera remains an emerging land of opportunity for new industry despite a Horsham business's decision to expand interstate, according to Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline.
Australian Plant Proteins (APP) this week announced it was building a new factory in regional South Australia with the help of a $113 million package from the Federal Government and a further $65 million from the SA government.
Council has supported (APP) in its formative years and it was hoped the expansion would happen at a green field sit in the municipality.
"We did all we could to make Horsham attractable for APP's expansion," Cr Gulline said.
"All indications were that Horsham was set to be the home of APP's green field site. But unfortunately, with our finite local government resources, our pockets were not as deep as the South Australian and Federal Government's."
"APP still has a strong presence here and will continue to develop operations in Horsham. It plans to increase its local workforce from 35 to 50 people and we look for to supporting the business where we can," she said.
Cr Gulline said the Wimmera was primed for business investment.
Horsham has a renewable energy supply at its doorstep and links to Adelaide, Melbourne and the state's ports via road and rail.
"Horsham stands ready to welcome other businesses looking to invest in the regions," she said.
"We have affordable industrial land that's available right now, and there is a lot more that will soon hit the market. We have a major freight and logistics terminal and an existing agricultural industry, so in many ways there is no better place in regional Victoria to invest in now."
Cr Gulline said companies interested in establishing or expanding in the Wimmera would receive unparalleled help and support.
"Staff from our investment and growth team can potential investors obtain government assistance and act as a first port of call for advice on opportunities and potential sites for that are ready for business."
The Horsham region has the benefit of having three key sites ready for development, including the Wimmera Agricultural and Logistics Hub located located on the Melbourne-Adelaide rail corridor, and the expanding Burnt Creek and Enterprise Estate industrial areas.
Plans for an alternative truck route will further boost the efficiency of freight movements in the municipality.
