Council resolved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at last night’s Ordinary meeting to enter into discussions with Lianyungang Agricultural Development Group Co Ltd on agricultural trade and investment opportunities within the Gunnedah Local Government Area (LGA).

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey recently met with the Director of the large state-owned Chinese enterprise, discussing the company’s desire to investigate opportunities, with a specific focus on the establishment of a multi-species abattoir (beef and lamb) in Gunnedah.

“I am very delighted to receive the support from the Councillors to sign the MoU,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This is just the first step in achieving one of our major goals of creating a more diverse and stable economy by value-adding to some of the rich agricultural products that are produced in our region.

“There is no guarantee that this will come to fruition, however Gunnedah Shire Council will be looking at any opportunities to ensure and sustain growth in our shire. As our community continues to grow it is critical we focus on ensuring there are jobs for all people within our community now and into the future, from young to mature, from skilled to unskilled,” he said.

“We have a strong vision to ensure that all we do in the economic development space will give every opportunity for our youth of today and tomorrow to stay in this great shire to build their lives and futures, and the future of the region.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns said with the recent appointment of a Manager Economic Development, Charlotte Hoddle, and alignment with the Namoi Joint Organisation, Council is committed to ensuring the sustainable growth of the region’s economy.

“It is important to discuss all investment opportunities to safeguard the future of our region,” Mr Johns said.
“The potential of bringing an abattoir to Gunnedah would have a huge flow-on effect within the local economy from the farm gate to the retail and residential sector. It is important that we look towards stability within our economy to assist when hard times arise.”

Cr Chaffey said council has been developing concepts and plans and considering all opportunities with the view of value-adding to Gunnedah’s rich agricultural commodities.

“Value-adding specifically in the processing of the raw product guarantees development and jobs into the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have been casting our net not just locally, or throughout Australia, but we are actively looking internationally for investment partners, that will assist us to deliver on our direction.”

Lianyungang Agricultural Development Group Co Ltd has a registered capital of five billion Yuan, 30 subsidiary (holding) companies and more than 1200 employees.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the support of Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth, Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns and Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.