Thursday, 16 November 2023

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:34): The Allan Labor government is creating jobs and growth in regional Victoria by investing in what each region does best. Supported by the regional development portfolio, the new Wodonga logistics precinct is strengthening the role of Wodonga as a crucial road and rail hub capable of reaching 75 per cent of Australia’s population within 24 hours.

A $7.5 million investment by our government has enabled O’Brien Transport, a third-generation family business, to relocate. The new O’Brien Transport depot in the Wodonga precinct is three times bigger than its former location, creating 30 jobs and bringing the 110 existing staff to the new facility. O’Brien is also doubling its storage and warehousing capacity to connect major cities and service multinational companies at its new base in Wodonga.

Our government has also supported paper and packaging company Opal’s new $140 million advanced manufacturing facility, which officially opened yesterday at the Wodonga precinct. Opal’s new world-class 55,000-square-metre facility will create 100 new jobs and support 400 additional jobs, using the very latest in recycled cardboard technology to manufacture more sustainable packaging for a wide range of sectors.

The Allan Labor government is taking an evidence-based approach, driven by regional economic development strategies for each region, to back businesses like Opal and O’Brien, cementing Wodonga as a powerhouse for national supply chains and manufacturing innovation. This is all part of our government’s investment of more than $41 billion in regional Victoria as we continue to leverage the unique strengths of each region.