Question details
Morwell food manufacturing precinct
(193) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Regional Development in the other place, and the information I seek is an urgent update on the status of the Morwell food manufacturing precinct. Two weeks ago I wrote to the minister seeking an update on the project slated for Princes Drive – a significant development for Morwell which has attracted investment of over $100 million and will provide 3250 direct and indirect jobs – but it has come to a grinding halt. The first stage of construction is relying on infrastructure upgrades which were meant to be provided by Regional Development Victoria under a $10 million promise made more than two years ago. The now Minister for Regional Development said construction would begin in late 2021 and proudly proclaimed at the time:
Morwell is moving ahead – investments like this build momentum and create a future of new and emerging industries with a spread of jobs and opportunities. I look forward to seeing the Food Manufacturing Precinct take shape and businesses moving in.
With a promised time frame for delivery and the need to start the building phase of the development, we rightly ask the question: what is the hold up? For the last six months the developer has sought updates from the Andrews government and has been ignored time and time and time again – no response, no update, nothing. The people of Morwell have very real and valid concerns about whether this hugely significant and important project will actually materialise or if it will amount to nothing under the Andrews government, just like the electric vehicle manufacturing facility and the Lake Narracan housing development. Minister, what is going on with the Morwell food manufacturing precinct, and why has Regional Development Victoria ignored all requests for updates?
I thank the Member for Morwell for the question.
The Government is committed to supporting the development of food manufacturing in Morwell and is investing $10 million to advance the development of a food manufacturing precinct. This investment will build on Gippsland's strength as a major food and fibre producer, support greater sector development, and expand opportunities for local manufacturing. Manufacturing in Morwell brings forward jobs and provides for greater economic diversification.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) and the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) are working with local partners to develop this opportunity.
This work is consistent with the Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) for Gippsland which identifies 5 strategic directions to drive economic growth. Food and Fibre and Advanced Manufacturing are 2 of those strategies. Activating food and fibre manufacturing will help to develop future-focused industries, innovation and unlock new markets.
It’s critical that the $10 million investment directly achieves the intended outcomes of this important project, and we are working to ensure the most effective delivery of this funding commitment.
Hon. Harriet Shing MP
Minister for Regional Development