The Ridley Corporation Limited’s development will be backed by a $2 million state government grant to build a state of the art, fit for purpose feed mill, manufacturing and supplying feed primarily to the aquaculture industry in Tasmania, as well as interstate and in New Zealand.

Building and construction minister Guy Barnett said local agriculture was also expected to benefit due to the additional demand for locally grown grains used in the feed.

“The project will provide work for up to 250 contractors and drive an $85 million boost to the Tasmanian economy in the construction phase alone,” he said.

“Once operational, the mill will directly provide upwards of 20 full-time equivalent jobs, plus more indirectly, and inject about $21 million a year into the local economy.”

He said the investment by Ridley was a major coup for Westbury and the wider Northern Tasmanian community.

“Importantly, the Office of Coordinator-General has worked extensively with Ridley Corporation over a long period of time to help facilitate this project,” Mr Barnett said.

“The Government’s funding contribution is being provided from the Business and Jobs Attraction Initiative, which was announced in the 2015-16 Budget.

“The project represents exactly what the initiative was designed for, attracting businesses to the state that generate sustainable ongoing economic activity that creates new jobs in Tasmania.”