Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the soon to be opened Hilltop Meats at Young would bring more jobs for the district.

Mr Taylor said the export abattoir was aiming to employ more workers for its Hot Boning Beef operation and had already advertised locally for 80 staff.

“Business confidence in a regional town can be hugely influenced by a single operator stepping up to invest in the area’s future. I know this will be a flow on effect from the opening of the abattoir.”

Meatworks owner Ted Campbell said the first animals were due to be processed during October.

“We’re processing cattle which will be sourced from a wide area and are seeking support of producers whom we are hopeful, will be pleased to see a new buyer in the market.

“Over recent months we’ve been upgrading our beef slaughter floor. We have built a new beef boning room, new refrigeration plant and a new rendering facility has also been installed.

“Free trade agreements signed recently have allowed industry to seek new opportunities from an improved competitive position, with the two important export markets of Japan and South Korea,” Mr Campbell said.

Angus Taylor said the opening of the abattoir would not only bring direct employment benefits for Young but an injection of business and consumer confidence.

Caption: “Business confidence in a regional town can be hugely influenced by a single operator stepping up to invest,” said Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor. Mr Taylor recently met with Export Manager Simon Hopwood at Hilltop Meats at Young where processing of animals is expected to start next month.