Please note: this is an old article
It was published in June 2013, so the information may be out-of-date.
Greater Shepparton City Council has launched an intensive lobbying campaign to ensure that SPC Ardmona’s (SPCA) Goulburn Valley-based operations continue.
GSCC Mayor Jenny Houlihan says SPCA is an iconic brand that has helped put Greater Shepparton on the map and Council has an obligation to ensure its prosperity now and into the future.
“SPCA has been the backbone of our community for generations. The company directly injects approximately $63 million into the local economy through salaries and wages and provides apprenticeships, training programs, work experience and graduate student programs to young people in the region. For these reasons, we need to support this local company and our horticultural industry. Our fruit growers are not just vitally important to our economy, they are part of Greater Shepparton’s identity”, Cr Houlihan said.
In supporting SPCA and the growers, Council, in partnership with SPCA, is undertaking a range of initiatives to secure the future of the company’s presence in Greater Shepparton.
Council is lobbying the Federal Government to support SPCA’s request for temporary protection relief to assist SPCA during the period of the strong Australian dollar, including the introduction of emergency safeguards and investigating the provision of a support package to help the company undertake measures to be more viable.
“The company and the growers need some breathing space to develop the right strategy going forward. Transforming the company so that it can be sustainable will take time and money and this is where the Federal Government can step up and demonstrate their commitment to Australian manufacturing”, Cr Houlihan said.
GSCC is also tackling the issue at the state level and will be engaging with Ministers, local members and the Opposition.
“At a time when Victoria’s manufacturing industry is under immense pressure, Victoria can’t afford to lose yet another major industry. We need to work with all political parties to identify how governments can support the food manufacturing industry, which is fundamental to the livelihood of regional Victoria, “Mayor Houlihan said.
“We have recently seen the completion of the $2billion Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project. It is vital that this piece of infrastructure is allowed to reach its full potential to support the region’s fruit and vegetable growing industry.”
In support of local growers, council is providing them with the information they need to make decisions about diversification, sustainability, and in some cases, exit strategies. Recently council co-ordinated an employment response session to assist fruit industry employees adversely affected to make informed decisions about their future.
“We know that SPC Ardmona is here for the long haul, and it’s in all of our interests for SPCA and our fruit growers to thrive”, Mayor Houlihan said. “Greater Shepparton is identified as the “foodbowl” of Victoria; this is a status that we are committed to retaining. We as a community all have our part to play so it’s important that we all continue the endeavour of “tossing a tin in your trolley” in support of SPCA, our workers and our future.”
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Geraldine Christou
Manager Investment Attraction
P: (03) 5832 9848
E: geraldine.christou@shepparton.vic.gov.au