- Published:
- Wednesday 13 April 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the development of a new medicinal cannabis production facility in Greater Shepparton, creating more jobs in the industry.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today announced funding for Australian company Cannatrek for their multi-million-dollar medicinal cannabis glasshouse development, which will create 76 new jobs. The project has been funded through the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs Fund.
The Australian-owned business was established in 2016 and produces vital medical treatment at its Queensland research and development greenhouse facility for more than 6,000 patients.
The company already employs 18 workers at its Melbourne head office, with the Greater Shepparton development to be the first production facility outside of Queensland. The project could quadruple Cannatrek’s annual supply of medicinal cannabis to 20 tonnes each year, with plans to transition the project to renewable power in the future.
The project will help Cannatrek rely on locally produced cannabis from Australia instead of imports. Featuring automated climate control and watering systems, medicinal cannabis can be grown all-year-round at the glasshouse before it’s transported to Cannatrek’s packing and distribution facility nearby in Shepparton.
Cannatrek currently employs more than 50 people across Victoria and Queensland with the new glasshouse to create roles in cultivation and production, packaging, logistics, administration and management.
The project aligns with the Government’s Medicinal Cannabis Industry Development Plan to supply half of Australia’s medicinal cannabis by 2028.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and helps councils to build the infrastructure locals need.
The Fund is key to the Government’s more than $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015. For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“We are supporting local medicinal cannabis production, which will provide treatments to thousands of patients across Australia.”
“This project will contribute to our country’s cutting edge medicinal cannabis industry, while growing jobs right here in regional Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This project will help put Greater Shepparton on the map as a medicinal cannabis producer, creating more jobs and boosting the region’s economy.”