Sureway Employment and Training area manager Craig Tilston
A $9 MILLION expansion of Baiada's Hanwood processing plant will create 500 jobs for the region, the company's managing director has revealed.
The project, which will triple the factory's annual production, will see about 200 people employed directly by Baiada.
According to managing director Simon Camilleri, another 300 indirect jobs will also be created.
The chicken giant's development is one of several large projects in the pipeline for the city, including the airport expansion, the private hospital and expansions at two local wineries.
Council economic development and tourism manager Greg Lawrence said the plethora of jobs to come out of such ventures would help Griffith set up its legacy for the future.
"We are fortunate there are operators out there who are working to ensure the growth of our wonderful city," Mr Lawrence said.
"It bodes well for Griffith that we have a good cross-section of industries and makes it a more exciting place to be.
"What Baiada is doing is fantastic news for local employment and if we have people coming here for part time or full time work, they will spend money in the city, which also boosts the economy."
Griffith's unemployment rate is already lower than the national average at 5 per cent, dropping by almost 1 per cent in the past year.
Sureway Employment and Training area manager Craig Tilston said, even though there were jobs around, it was still tough for many people to find appropriate work.
"Any expansion of any business that creates employment opportunities in Griffith and surrounding areas should be encouraged and supported," Mr Tilston said.
"Hopefully Baiada will continue to work closely with council and other authorities to make this happen.
"From a job services point of view, we will work closely with jobseekers in Griffith to add as many positive outcomes as we can to the project."
The Baiada expansion will see 1.5 million chickens processed each week.
The company's waste treatment facilities and meat meal plant will also be upgraded.
Further jobs will be created for tradies as building and fitout of the facility progresses.
