Victoria's economy boosted by Mars expansion
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Work at the Mars Australia extension in Ballarat is progressing well, according to Premier Denis Napthine.
The Victorian Coalition Government contributed $2 million to the $52 million expansion earlier this year.
Dr Napthine says the Mars site will continue to manufacture products to boost its strong contribution to the Victorian economy. He notes that Mars Australia provides hundreds of jobs and over $145 million a year to the state.
The expansion has secured jobs for more than 400 contractors and workers employed in Ballarat, and the construction work alone has brought in over 100 jobs.
Work generated includes pipe and plant installation, wastewater treatment, stormwater capture and storage, installation of solar panels and refrigeration systems upgrades. One of the aims of this is to reduce energy and water costs.
Of the Coalition Government's $2 million investment, $1.5 million came from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund and $500,000 came from the Industries for Today and Tomorrow Program.
Dr Napthine says the $1 billion regional growth fund invests in projects that drive jobs, investment and innovation in Victoria.
