Parwan set to ignite with gas connection

By Lachlan Ellis

The gas connection at the Parwan Employment Precinct (PEP) has been officially completed, in a major step forward for businesses planning to set up operations in the area.

Moorabool Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan and Council staff hosted State Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing at Parwan on Saturday 6 August, to officially announce the completion of the gas connection.

Council and L&G Meats have partnered with the State Government in securing gas connection for the site, with the State Government funding $2.7 million from its Building Works package.

“This is an excellent outcome and we’re very pleased to have this connection completed, as it’s part of the building blocks to being able to use this land,” Cr Sullivan said.

“The Parwan Employment Precinct is a vital piece of land in our Shire, in that it will boost economic and employment growth in our region.

“We will be able to attract industrial business and agribusiness and create around 1,500 new jobs. This is not possible without services to the precinct though. Gas connection was a very important piece of the puzzle, so we thank the State Government for its investment.”

Cameron Jones is the Development Director and one of four Co-Founders of Parwan+Co (along with Michael, Joe, and Pietro Failli of Westside Meats).

The joint venture is planning a protein recovery facility at the PEP to convert organic waste into meat, bone meal, and tallow – the latter of which can be used as a biofuel.

Mr Jones said the gas connection was a big step for Parwan+Co’s long-term plans for the precinct.

“It was critical enabling infrastructure for not just our first protein factory, but it also provides us with future gas capacity for the entire industrial precinct. Gas is completely unlocked, which is one less headache so to speak,” Mr Jones told the Moorabool News.

“The first facility will begin operation early next year, and we’re looking to have the second facility operational around 18 months after that. It’s a bit early to speculate on when all five factories will be done, but it’s kind of a five-to-ten-year plan…probably closer to ten, based on access to raw materials.”

Mr Jones also thanked Moorabool Shire Council for its support in organising the City Gate Gas Project.

“The group worked very collaboratively with Moorabool for the delivery of the City Gate project…Council was the proponent for the project, they had to chair meetings and run project control group discussions. Their team was very prudent and disciplined in how they delivered the infrastructure on time, and it really helped to deliver this piece of infrastructure,” he said.

The precinct also aims to reduce the number of Moorabool residents who need to leave Moorabool for work, with Council CEO Derek Madden stating that the PEP “has the potential to deliver employment opportunities to more than 1,500 people and will also help redress the large number of people leaving the Shire daily for employment”.

Council plans to continuing advocating for funding for the PEP, with electricity connection still required to complete the services on site.