The Shoalhaven is on the verge of getting food processing technology that will open export markets and create local jobs.
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Sydney-based cold-pressed juice business Botanica has plans to relocate its high-pressure processing (HPP) tolling facility to the Argyle Prestige Meats plant in Bomaderry.
Both direct and indirect jobs will be created and the proposal is gathering momentum.
Botanica director Richard Magney said they want to link in with other Shoalhaven food industries like meat, dairy and oyster producers.
HPP tolling could be the way of the future when it comes to food processing.
“It’s an innovative technology out of the northern hemisphere where it’s mainstream and widely used and we a late adopters here,” Mr Magney said.
“However, it’s technology that preserves fresh food at a cold temperature - so it’s chilled pasteurisation that holds all the nutrients and because you get a long shelf life you don’t have to add preservatives.”
Even former prime minister Tony Abbott was keen to have a look when Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis joined him for a tour.
“It’s very important we boost jobs in the South Coast and Ann Sudmalis is absolutely passionate about this and that is why the government established the $20 million South Coast jobs funds package,” Mr Abbott said.
“I guess the purpose of funds like that is to try to ensure that a proposal that might be economically marginal becomes viable.
“The challenge is to run the marginal proposals into viable proposals so we get the kind of swift boost to jobs that regions that are under a bit of pressure need.
“In the end this is about creating more markets for Australian products and about ensuring Australian products stay ahead of the competition.
“I think it’s important that people who are having a go get supported by government.”
“I think it’s important that people who are having a go get supported by government.”
- Tony Abbott
Mr Magney said jobs will be created.
“As we relocated our Botanica juicing business and HPP tolling facility we will be creating new jobs and bringing in new skills and adding export opportunity out of Canberra,” he said.
“With Botanica 20 jobs will be created within the first six to 12 months with 50 to 100 indirect jobs created as well.”
Mr Magney hopes to relocate the facility to the Shoalhaven within three to six months and said the technology can be here in 30 days and commissioned within two weeks.