The Australian Government has committed $14.5 million towards new rice manufacturing infrastructure in Leeton, NSW, with the project expected to support more than 200 direct and indirect jobs in the Riverina region.
According to the Australian Government, the funding will support SunRice’s development of a new rice cake manufacturing facility, with the company matching the government’s contribution.
The investment will be delivered through the government’s Sustainable Communities Program, which has allocated more than $300 million to support communities affected by the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
The government said the project would strengthen the long-term resilience of the Riverina rice industry by expanding value-added manufacturing capabilities and supporting improved returns for growers.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the program aimed to help Basin communities adjust to future challenges while supporting environmental sustainability.
“However, we also know water recovery can have impacts and we aren’t going to leave those communities without support,” Watt said.
NSW Senator Deborah O’Neill said the funding would provide support for regional workers and their families, with more than 200 jobs expected to benefit from the investment.
SunRice Group chair John Bradford welcomed the government’s contribution, saying it would help strengthen food manufacturing in Leeton and create more opportunities to add value to Australian-grown rice.
“This will help strengthen value-added food manufacturing in Leeton and create more opportunities from the rice grown by Australian growers,” Bradford said.
He added that the industry’s long-term success also depended on growers having the conditions needed to continue producing rice.
United Workers Union NSW secretary Mel Gatfield also welcomed the investment, describing it as support for regional employment, local production and Australia’s food security.
The government said more than 40 projects supporting jobs and sustainable economies had already been announced through the Sustainable Communities Program, with the Leeton investment providing additional funding beyond the $160 million previously allocated to projects in NSW.
