Photo: thefifthestate.com.au

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has now been formalised for the $565 million project, which will build a huge wind farm with battery storage to power the expansion of Nectar Farms.

Backed by the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, Nectar Farms is currently undertaking Stage 1 of their major project, which will use the latest in hydroponic glasshouse and plant technology to create a 10 hectare state-of-the-art facility.

This modern facility will supply the highest quality vegetables into domestic and international markets.

Nectar Farms is now looking to start work on the $215 million Stage 2 of their expansion plans, which will develop a further 30 hectares creating 250 ongoing jobs and 300 direct and indirect construction jobs.

The co-located 196MW Bulgana Green Power Hub backed up by a 20MW battery will make the expansion a reality by providing the secure and affordable energy that Nectar Farms needs for its hydroponic greenhouses.

Adding to the wind farm building blitz in Western Victoria, the 56 turbine $350 million wind farm is expected to create another 800 direct and indirect jobs during construction, with a further 19 ongoing once built.

The Labor Government has been fighting every day to give Stawell a new future after the neglect of the former Liberal Government.

Whether it’s the world beating Grampians Peak Trail, the expansion of the Frewstal abattoir or the ongoing work of the Stawell Jobs Taskforce, we’re putting locals first.

The Labor Government is also providing support for workers and businesses affected by the closure of the Gold Mine with the Jobs for Stawell scheme, alongside direct support to affected workers.