BREAKING: Kilcoy Global Foods is launching an urgent expansion of its Lance Creek export abattoir near Wonthaggi, confirming plans that could create 511 jobs and inject $54.2 million into the local economy annually. This significant development highlights Kilcoy’s commitment to enhancing operations at the facility, which has been a local success story since its acquisition in 2023.
The expansion aims to leverage “the latest advancements in production technology, automation, and safety protocols,” allowing the facility to boost its daily processing capacity from 300 cattle to 800, translating to 4,800 cattle per week. As part of this initiative, Kilcoy is also seeking to extend operating hours from 6 AM to 10 PM Monday through Saturday, a move anticipated to further increase throughput.
Local officials and economic experts are praising the project’s potential impact. According to a report from AEAS, the expansion will directly add 200 jobs and create an additional 311 indirect jobs in the surrounding region. “The KGF Lance Creek expansion will significantly boost the local and regional economy by attracting new talent,” the report states. This job creation comes amidst a growing demand for locally sourced livestock, promising to stimulate both the agricultural sector and the broader community.
Kilcoy’s expansion is projected to generate an additional $180.4 million in economic activity for Victoria during its first year of operation. The facility’s previous operations had already injected $22.6 million into the region, marking a continuous trend of economic growth.
Local residents are expected to benefit significantly from the influx of job opportunities across various skill levels. All roles created will be advertised locally, ensuring that the community can directly reap the rewards of this investment.
While advancements within the plant are set to modernize operations, the project will also include physical upgrades. These enhancements involve a 362 square meter extension of the chiller room, additional parking space, and improvements to the entrance on Wonthaggi-Korumburra Road.
However, the project has faced some resistance. Three objections were raised related to noise, traffic, and environmental concerns. An Air Quality and Odour Assessment conducted by Trinity Consultants Australia indicated that the facility had previously processed up to 600 cattle daily without significant odour complaints.
Approval from the Bass Coast Shire Council is expected to be a formality, as a favorable report is set to be discussed at the council meeting on Wednesday. The council’s assessment has concluded that the expansion meets the objectives of state and local planning policy, paving the way for Kilcoy to proceed with its ambitious plans.
Kilcoy Global Foods is not just reshaping its operations; it is revitalizing the local community, promising to create a positive ripple effect across various industries, including logistics and supply chains. As construction begins, all eyes will be on Lance Creek, where the future of local agriculture and economic vitality is being rewritten.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and the council votes on the expansion proposal.
