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Funding boost for Renmark nursery expansion

9 September 2011

A Renmark-based wholesale nursery will be expanding and automating its operations after being awarded a State Government grant through the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund.

Visiting the Riverland today, Minister for Regional Development Gail Gago announced Plummers Nurseries (Plumco Pty Ltd) has received a $438,000 grant to upgrade facilities at its Airport Road nursery.

Ms Gago said the funding will enable Plummers Nurseries to upgrade equipment, structures and production and handling processes, resulting in a state-of-the-art wholesale plant nursery.

“I understand this expanded facility will enable Plummers Nurseries to produce a large variety of plants beyond the region’s traditional wine-grape, citrus and stone fruit industries,” the Minister said.

“In particular, the project presents a distinct economic benefit to the region by enabling local production of small seedlings grown in trays, replacing similar stock currently imported from Victoria and Queensland.”

Nursery Manager John Plummer said the funding will be used to build new permanent and semi-permanent buildings and to purchase propagation machinery and equipment.

“We anticipate the expansion and development of the nursery will result in additional employment opportunities for the local community,” he said.

Ms Gago said the project was a significant step forward for the wholesale nursery, which has been operating since 1979 growing vegetables and suppling locally grown seedlings to growers, retailers and the general public.

“Improvements to the existing facility will clearly help to ensure the Plummers’ business is sustainable for years to come,” the Minister said.

The $1.1 million project will be staged over three years, commencing this year and scheduled for completion in mid 2014.

The Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund was established to assist with industry restructuring and to promote sustainable economic and social development in the Riverland.

Ms Gago said this project is an example of the quality proposals that this fund will support.

“The $20 million fund is accessible by industry and businesses to fund projects that improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and help grow existing businesses,” the Minister said.

For more information on the fund and to find out how to apply visit the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund web page.