Ridley’s aquaculture feed mill at Westbury’s Valley Central Industrial Precinct received development approval after being passed at Tuesday’s meeting.

Expected to generate 20 new full-time positions and 250 construction jobs, Meander Valley mayor Craig Perkins said it was a great opportunity for the community.

“It’s terrific that Ridley has chosen to build here in Westbury,” he said.

“The Valley Central Industrial Precinct is close to the state’s freight network and this development will help to grow and sustain our regional community.” 

Ridley made the decision to relocate to Tasmania in order to be closer to its customer base, which will reduce supply chain costs and improve service delivery.

After a brief presentation from Ridley project manager David Coward outlining the mutual benefits of the proposal for the company and the Meander Valley community, it was left to councillors to vote on the proposal. In voicing her support for the motion, Councillor Tanya King acknowledged the work that had already gone into the plans.

“There has been a significant investment of time and effort in getting the Valley Central project up and running, and I commend our offices for what they have done,” she said.

“I’m more than happy to support this project.”

The only query came from Councillor John Temple who questioned whether the nature of the development would have an impact on other manufacturers that were considering a move to the district.

“There are genteel industries and there are robust industries that may not wish to be neighbours,” he said.

Meander Valley general manager Martin Gill said the development was “not conducive or otherwise” to manufacturers in different industries, and that companies still had the “ability and right” to make a development application.

Cr Temple abstained from voting on the motion.