Another step has been taken to establish a new milk processor in northern Victoria.
A private group is going through the development process for a $130 million milk processing plant at Cohuna.
Late last month, the group, No Bull Milk Processing Pty Ltd, submitted a planning permit for the plant which aims to handle 300 million litres a year. But the group still has major stumbling block — a serious investor for the project.
Gannawarra Shire economic development manager Roger Griffiths said the submission of the permit was “a key milestone for the project”.
“Once that permit is analysed by the council’s planning team, it will be referred to relevant authorities who have up to four weeks to have their say,” Mr Griffiths said.
Those authorities include groups like the Environment Protection Authority, PowerCorp, wastewater authorities and VicRoads.
Mr Griffiths said the development was now at a more serious stage than just talk.
“It costs $50,000 for a planning permit fee, so it is a serious proposition,” he said. “The developers want it up and running as soon as possible.
“We know there are people who want to invest in milk processing in Australia but one hasn’t been secured yet.
“So while the planning permit submission is a key milestone, it is a long slow process.”
Mr Griffiths remains hopeful the facility will be built.
“It would mean 40-50 jobs in processing which is a big deal for Cohuna,” he said.
“There could also be other flow-on benefits like a lift in land values and new technology coming to the area like robotic milking.”
Article sourced from www.weeklytimesnow.com.au
