Wimmera croppers are set to benefit from the development of 20 new industrial lots at Horsham’s Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal site (WIFT) following the injection of more state government cash.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has announced $1.25 million for stage one of the WIFT precinct development.
“By investing in the best infrastructure, we are helping grain growers get more produce from paddock to port more efficiently – that’s good news for growers and Victoria’s booming export,” Ms Pulford said.
“The Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal is located on the national rail freight network and further investment at this precinct will create better connections from paddock to port.”
The 100-hectare precinct will see the establishment of industrial lots with bitumen road access and street lighting.
It will also fund other amenities for agribusinesses and food and fibre processors, seeking to set up operations at the precinct.
A Horsham export hay processing company would be the first business to relocate to the WIFT, in an $8 million move.
Johnson Asahi director Mark Johnson said stage one of the relocation would involve three major hay storage sheds and a weighbridge, to be built in advance of this year’s season.
Mr Pulford said the spending would ensure Victorian farmers and businesses were able to continue to grow markets at a global level.
It will be delivered by Horsham Rural City Council.