The Andrews Labor Government is backing more jobs in the Mallee region, with two companies creating almost 80 new jobs through innovative projects based in Mildura.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the Mildura headquarters of freight transport and logistics specialist GTS Freight Management, which is redeveloping its head office with support from the Labor Government's Regional Jobs Fund.
The Government's investment will enable the company to expand its local workforce by about one-third - the project will add 57 new full-time-equivalent jobs to an existing local workforce of 160 workers.
Founded in 1980 as a single truck operation, almost 60 per cent of the national company's workforce is based at its Mildura headquarters and the company's success has led to offers from other regions to relocate. The Government's investment has ensured the company will stay in Mildura.
GTS manages 150 modern prime movers and 450 trailers nation-wide. The Mildura logistics centre handles most of the horticulture produced each year in the region - which accounts for more than 93.5 per cent of Victoria's grapes and more than 86 per cent of citrus.
The company's local base keeps transportation costs low for growers with other key customers including Coles, Woolworths, CUB and Treasury Wine Estates.
Family-owned manufacturing company DWM Engineering has also received support through the Regional Jobs Fund andwill build a new structural steel fabrication workshop at its Irymple base, allowing it to expand its workforce by 20 workers.
The project will benefit the construction supply chain in and around Mildura through increased capacity to undertake more complex construction projects currently delivered by businesses from outside the region.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government's flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
A new round of the Regional Jobs Fund opened earlier this year and is available throughout the 2021/22 financial year to companies seeking to grow their operations. The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government's almost $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.
For more information go to www.rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"These innovative projects are a big win for the Mildura community, creating more jobs and making sure these successful businesses can stay local - boosting the economy."
