STATE government has announced $320,000 support to train and upskill local workers in the NSW north-west and promote employment opportunities at the new Bourke small livestock abattoir.
Construction on the $60 million abattoir project, owned and operated by Capra Developments, began last month with up to 200 jobs expected to be created when the abattoir opens for business in 2018.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro, said government was working closely with Bourke Shire Council, NSW Public Works, and local business to set minimum employment targets for the project.
“The new funding will be provided over two years to enable the Bourke Shire Council to employ someone who will work in partnership with Aboriginal Communities, including Maranguka Community Hub, on a workforce development strategy for the Bourke region,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Training Services NSW will coordinate pre-employment training and placement of workers at the abattoir and work with Capra's preferred training provider and the Aboriginal community to ensure appropriate training is provided to operate the facility.”
NSW is the biggest supplier of goat livestock in Australia but lacks major processing operations and the capacity to export products, which is a competitive advantage for Victoria and Queensland.
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries said the new Bourke abattoir would create an integrated supply chain with value added products to be exported into lucrative markets overseas.
