Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and State Member for Lismore Thomas George today turned the first sod on the $5 million upgrade of Culmaran Creek Road that will help local companies get their produce to domestic and international markets.
“Companies like Mara Seeds and Mara Global Foods came to me because they were having difficulty getting their produce to markets, which was restricting their growth and job creation,” Mr Hogan said.
“I was pleased to announce recently Federal Government funds of more than $2 million to kick start the upgrade of the complete 4.25km stretch of Culmaran Creek Road.
“By creating a new duel lane concrete bridge capable of supporting heavier vehicles and their cargo, we will unlock the barriers to growth that many local industries have faced due to poor freight access to places like the Port of Brisbane.
“Importantly, this upgrade will create an extra 26 jobs in the community, through growth at Mara Global Foods processing facility at Culmaran Creek Rd.”
Mr George said the upgrade will significantly reduce costs to business and industry, while driving economic growth.
“Economic growth in rural areas relies on agricultural commodities, industrial products and natural resources being able to move to market efficiently,” he said.
“By developing this particular piece of infrastructure, more jobs will be created in the community of Mallanganee which could also mean more families coming to town.”
Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the upgrade would mean more local jobs.
“More industry means more jobs, more jobs means more money spent locally, supporting our local communities,” she said.
“I am so pleased that Culmaran Creek Road has been funded for this reason and I congratulate Member for Page Kevin Hogan and State Member for Lismore Thomas George for their advocacy around this project.”
Mara Global Foods Managing Director Ross Larsson said the investment would help continue the companies target of becoming one of the nation’s largest and most innovative food providers.
“The growth in jobs will be seen through our manufacturing facility at Culmaran Creek which services both domestic and international markets. Our product is purchased locally and processed locally keeping the economic benefits local also,” he said.
“We wish to continue to develop the facility to bring more new age technology and innovation to domestic and international markets, and allow local primary producers better access to higher value markets and also create better opportunities for youth and job seekers in the area.
“I am proud to be born in the Northern Rivers and have grown up and continue to live at Culmaran Creek, I wish to see the area prosper and continue to invest for future generations in the northern rivers food bowl.”.
This project is jointly funded with the Federal Government investing $2,080,477, the NSW Government $2,629,000, Kyogle Council $245,000, Mara Seeds $10,000 and Mara Global Foods $60,000.
