The expansion of an award-winning craft distillery in the Upper Hunter is the first of 23 projects being backed by the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund.
Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro has met the owners of Magpie Distilling at the White Hart Hotel in Murrurundi to announce a $100,000 grant for the purchase of boilers that will increase the company’s distilling capacity 15-fold.
The move will create five full-time equivalent jobs, with the Regional Job Creation Fund aiming to generate at least 5000 positions across the state.
“The expansion of Magpie Distilling will include a new fit-out to house the distilling equipment, alcohol storage facilities, a water management system for the still, a staging area for tasting and blending classes, customer seating and a retail sales area,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Regional NSW has all the key ingredients to thrive with strong manufacturing, tourism and service sectors, and this fund is supporting the growth of existing businesses while encouraging interstate or overseas businesses to invest in regional NSW.
“This is just one of many innovative projects that will turbocharge job creation and stimulate local economies, and I’m thrilled to support these businesses in establishing or expanding their facilities in regional NSW.”
Applications for the Regional Job Creation Fund will close on Friday May 14 or when program funding is fully allocated.
For more information, go to investregional.nsw.gov.au
