Gippsland businesses can grow employment and expand their operations thanks to the Allan Labor Government's ongoing investment in former native timber harvesting communities.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced a $1 million investment across 11 businesses through the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund grants program and the Forestry Transition Fund.
The grants allow businesses to buy or maintain equipment, hire staff and build infrastructure to support business ventures ranging from farm mapping, and other drone services to cycling tours and grain haulage.
As part of the Timber Innovation Fund, AR Dalley in Buchan South was awarded $270,072 to purchase two multi-purpose grain haulage trailers, helping them to transition from log haulage. B Williams Cartage in Yinnar received $110,082 to develop a mobile welding service for commercial and agricultural clients.
Hodge Forestry Services in Moe South was supported with $247,126 to purchase drone spraying equipment for plantation pest management.
Under the Foresty Transition Fund, Newmerella business East Gippsland Drones received $49,806 to expand their specialised drone services. It will support the creation of a new full-time drone pilot role and investment in equipment to meet growing demand for crop spraying, fertilising and weed control across steep terrain.
In Swifts Creek, Stock Dog Kennels and Four Peaks Pastoral Services each received $50,000 to upgrade or acquire new equipment.
The Buchan River Café also received the same amount to purchase commercial kitchen equipment and renovate its kitchen to be fully operational, while Baw Baw Shire Council will use their $50,000 grant to undertake a feasibility study into a Longwarry Logistic and Employment Hub.
Five Tales in Piedmont will invest their $45,164 grant in constructing a greenhouse for high-value crops, including heirloom tomatoes, heritage cucumbers and specialty lettuces.
In Orbost, Mekken Marine was awarded $30,000 to build a storage shed and install custom workbenches, while Snowy River Cycling Pty Ltd received $31,045 to purchase an enclosed bike trailer and four e-bikes.
More than $97 million in grants and support has been received by businesses and communities in the Gippsland region - helping businesses, community groups and local government to create new jobs.
The support means Gippsland native timber workers can remain in employment - either in their existing jobs or finding new work through the creation of 113 new jobs in the region.
For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"The Forestry Transition Fund and Victorian Timber Innovation Grants are helping communities to find their feet, build their workforces, and create better job opportunities."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"Driven by local communities these projects will make a real impact."
