Since 2010, over 160 Karen (Myanmar) refugees have been resettled in Nhill in north-west Victoria. Local company, Luv-a-Duck, has directly employed approximately one-third of the refuges. Analysis by Deloitte Access Economics estimates that the resettlement plan has added a total of 70 full-time jobs and $41.5 million to the local economy.
Sundrop Farms operating since 2010, has recently expanded its facilities in Port Augusta by 20 hectares under a $150 million project, creating 200 new jobs for the region. Under the project, Sundrop Farms worked collaboratively with the government of South Australia, receiving $6 million under the state’s Regional Development Fund scheme in the expansion.
Also under the South Australian Government’s Regional Development Fund scheme, Thomas Foods International has received $2.5 million in funding to contribute to a $25.4 million upgrade to its capacity, resulting in 200 new jobs in Murray Bridge.
Australian Paper in Maryvale has received $5 million support from the Federal and State governments in support of a $600 million proposal to convert household waste to energy. The project aims to provide the company with an alternative source of power. Australian Paper is the Latrobe Valley’s largest private employer, providing more than 1000 jobs for the region. The new project expects to create 800 new jobs during construction and 46 full time positions.
FKG Group is currently developing the Toowoomba Technology Park, a 29 hectare facility which will be Australia’s first regional data centre. The Park will utilise Toowoomba’s location as a logistic hub and NBN infrastructure. The Park includes the Pulse Data Centre which has been developed in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland. The Park could eventually generate between 5,000 and 10,000 jobs for the region.