The State Government is backing businesses in Nowa Nowa and surrounds to reach their full potential, making sure they have the tools they need to generate new jobs and economic growth for the community.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence last week announced $320,000 of Forestry Transition Fund grants have been awarded to AvaGrow Farms, the Nowa Nowa General Store and Post Office and LCT Auto.
AvaGrow Farms in the Wairewa Valley is known for its high-quality vegetable production and will use a $165,666 grant to build a high-care post-harvest facility, which will include a hydro vacuum cooler, a cool room, a water storage tank and a power upgrade.
When finished it is expected to create three new full-time jobs including a post harvest coordinator, a logistics coordinator and a quality control manager.
“We’re grateful for receiving the Transition Fund grant. It will not only help us to expand our business, but we can see it assisting the long-term economic growth of the area following the end of native timber harvesting,” Matt Zagami, of AvaGrow Farms, said.
Adding more flair to the region’s growing tourism market, the Nowa Nowa General Store and Post Office will use a $150,000 grant to renovate its existing premises to include a customer service area, a visitor information section and indoor and outdoor dining. The expansion is also expected to create one full-time and two part-time positions.
The projects align with the Nowa Nowa Future’s Local Development Strategy to build the area’s long-term economy.
A $6000 grant to LCT Auto has assisted owner and mechanic Lindsay Tuck to buy much-needed tools and a trailer so he can service vehicles and trucks on-site.
Before establishing his business, Lindsay worked as a mechanic servicing vehicles in the native timber industry. This grant enables his business to go mobile so he and his family can still live and work in the area. “The grant gave us a big kick start. Having the trailer has just made life so much easier because I used to have to get up early and load all of the tools, which would take an hour, and then at the end of the day have to unload everything again,” Mr Tuck said.
“These are three great projects which will add to the future economic security of Nowa Nowa and district, while providing additional jobs,” Minister Spence said.
“We are supporting businesses in the Gippsland region to expand and continue to contribute to the growth of this vibrant part of Victoria,” Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said.
Round two of the Transition Fund is currently open for interested business and organisations looking to create new jobs in communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting.
