- $1 million grant to help expand Mt Barker Chicken's processing capacity to capture new domestic and export markets
- Project will create 20 new jobs, supporting the local community
- Cook Government's Value Add Investment Grants supporting WA agrifood business growth and diversification
The Cook Government is helping an iconic Western Australian business to soar, with a $1 million grant to support Mt Barker Chicken expand its operations and capture new market opportunities.
The Value Add Investment Grant, matched by company owners the Milne AgriGroup, will assist the business to purchase processing equipment and expand processing capacity by 30 per cent, while improving water, energy and emissions efficiencies.
New state-of-the-art chillers will extend the shelf-life of products by more than 20 per cent, enabling the company to target markets in the eastern states and high-value export markets, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
This will also enable Mt Barker Chicken to supply the fast-food restaurant trade with high-welfare, high-quality product.
The expansion will create 20 new jobs at its Kendenup and Rockingham facilities, supporting the local community.
Mt Barker Chicken is the first recipient to share in the latest round of the Cook Government's $6 million Value Add Investment Grants.
These substantial grants help WA agrifood and beverage businesses to invest in projects that increase production and growth to improve competitiveness, sustainability and diversification.
Since 2018, more than $152 million in private sector co-investment has been leveraged by $23.8 million-worth of Value Add Investment Grants, creating 1200 jobs across the State.
More successful applicants will be announced in coming weeks.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"This exciting investment will support Mt Barker Chicken to grow and diversify their business to capture new domestic and export markets.
"The Cook Labor Government'sValue Add Investment Grantsare an incredible initiative that drive innovation and growth, enabling WA agrifood and beverage operators to take their business to the next level.
"These grants are transformational and have created many success stories over the past few years, as well as promoting locally-made and processed products."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"Mt Barker Chicken has led the way with their free-range chicken for more than 20 years and are famed for their quality product, which is the pride of the Great Southern.
"This grant means Mt Barker Chicken will be on more plates and menus around Australia and potentially the world."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"By investing in value-add processing, our Government is creating local jobs and helping diversify regional economies.
"This project will provide a significant boost to our local economy, not only with the jobs it creates but the flow-on benefits that support our community."
