One of South Australia’s most recognisable family businesses is set for a major upgrade in the Riverland, with more than $640,000 being invested into a new fruit-grading line at Nippy’s Waikerie facility.
The project is expected to support more than 100 existing local jobs, create further employment opportunities and improve returns for growers supplying the facility.
The new equipment will significantly improve the accuracy and consistency of fruit grading while doubling the capacity of Nippy’s existing grading line, according to the Federal and State Governments.
It forms part of $12.7 million in newly announced support for South Australian River Murray communities under the first round of the Sustainable Communities Program.
The broader program is funded by the Australian Government and delivered in South Australia through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, with investment aimed at helping River Murray communities adjust to the social and economic impacts of water recovery under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan. South Australia has been allocated $20 million through the program overall.
Nippy’s Joint Managing Director Jeff Knispel said the funding would help the company continue investing in its Waikerie operations at a time when major capital projects could be challenging to finance.
“We would like to thank the Federal Government for providing funds to support our upgrade at Nippy’s Waikerie, and we are grateful to PIRSA and the South Australian Government for their support in approving these funds,” Jeff said.
Nippy’s is not the only Riverland producer receiving a significant boost.
A further $1.7 million will go towards the second stage of the Venus Citrus Loxton Redevelopment, funding environmental, structural and water-efficiency upgrades.
The third-generation family business works with more than 60 Riverland growers, with the project designed to reduce operating costs and potable water use while strengthening the region’s export capacity.
In Renmark, Culgoa Vineyards will receive almost $975,000 towards a new food-grade olive oil processing facility and bottling line.
The project is intended to give Riverland producers another avenue for diversification, including the potential transition to crops requiring less water.
Several smaller feasibility projects have also secured funding.
The Riverland Winegrape Growers Association will receive $70,000 to investigate AI-supported technology for safely remediating CCA-treated vineyard posts, while Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine will receive $50,000 to explore less water-intensive crop options for grape growers.
Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland has also been awarded $67,000 to investigate a proposed Riverland Advanced Food Transformation Hub, envisioned as a processing centre capable of helping growers diversify income, reduce waste and improve water and biosecurity resilience.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the funding was intended to support local businesses, jobs and regional economies.
South Australian Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said the investment came at a critical time for primary producers and would support industry diversification and more sustainable agricultural practices.
The Sustainable Communities Program opened its first South Australian funding round in January, with grants targeting economic diversification, innovation, employment and resilience in River Murray communities affected by water recovery.
Further funded projects are expected to be announced.
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