Council is supporting a proposal to establish a micro-abattoir for local farmers and businesses, thanks to funding from the State Government.
Last month, the State Government announced $167,000 in funding to develop plans for the micro-abattoir.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that the micro abattoir proposal came through the Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy, an initiative to support the region following the end of commercial timber harvesting in State Forests.
"We know that the wind-down of the forestry industry has had a significant impact on local jobs, and the Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy is helping to create and grow local jobs in its wake," Cr Higgins said.
"We've been working with community to generate and support ideas to revitalise the area and create jobs.
"One of the proposals that came from the community is to establish a multi-species, micro-abattoir, helping local farmers access meat processing closer to their gate and reducing the need for long-distance transport.
"The new facility could also process culled feral deer which will provide an added incentive to remove more deer from sensitive habitats and water catchments in the area.
"Community members in one of the innovation working groups put forward the idea for the micro-abattoir. Our staff then advocated to the State Government and applied for funding to develop a plan. It's excellent to see this project move to the next stage.
"I thank the State Government for providing this crucial funding, and supporting jobs growth and local businesses in the Upper Yarra."
A dedicated Project Manager will now assess several potential sites in the Yarra Valley and develop a shovel-ready project for future funding and investment.
There is strong farmer interest in this proposal, with very limited options currently available for livestock processing.
The Upper Yarra Local Development Project helps to assist the communities of Warburton, Yarra Junction, and Powelltown to identify and develop new, sustainable industries that deliver long-term economic, environmental and social benefits.
The project's Innovation Working Groups are exploring opportunities in eco-tourism, small-scale farming, renewable energy, reactivation of local abandoned buildings, and a community transport model.
