The state government is investing $320,000 in the training of up to 200 workers at the under-construction and $60 million small livestock abattoir in Bourke.
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Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro, announced the funding this week.
Capra Developments is the owner and future operator of the abattoir that will be completed in 2018 and process goats, lamb and sheep.
Mr Barilaro said the $320,00 would be administered by Bourke Shire Council.
“The new funding will be provided over two years to enable the Bourke Shire Council to employ someone who will work in partnership with Aboriginal communities, including Maranguka Community Hub, on a workforce development strategy for the Bourke region,” he said.
“Training Services NSW will coordinate pre-employment training and placement of workers at the abattoir and work with Capra's preferred training provider and the Aboriginal community to ensure appropriate training is provided to operate the facility.”
The state government reports that NSW is the biggest supplier of goat livestock in Australia, but lacks major processing operations and the capacity to export products, giving Victoria and Queensland a competitive advantage.
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said the new Bourke abattoir would create an integrated supply chain with value-added products to be exported into lucrative markets overseas.
“As well as directly creating more than 200 jobs, the construction and ongoing operation of the abattoir will stimulate a range of business activities and create more employment opportunities in the north-west region,” he said.
“The construction and operation of a new abattoir for Bourke is a timely and welcome investment creating a significant economic boost for the region.
The NSW north-west region has the natural advantage of being home to a large goat population, which makes a goat abattoir a model business for Bourke.”
