A community information evening will be held this Thursday, September 11, to answer questions about the establishment of the new tomato farm. The Costa group is proposing to invest a further $45 million in the construction of a second glasshouse complex that will bring with it the initial creation of another 170 jobs for the local region.
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The Costa group recognises that this new development will have an impact on the Guyra Community as a whole and would like everyone to have the opportunity to have their questions answered.
The community information evening will be an opportunity for members of the community to find out more about the new development which is being planned for a site north of Guyra, adjacent to the New England Highway.
It will be held at the Guyra Shire Council Chambers between 4pm and 7pm and members of the community will be able to speak directly with Costa staff, as well as Council planning staff.
There will be a series of information displays, Costa will have plans and drawings available for inspection by the public who are being encouraged to ask any questions they may have in relation to planning, employment, water management, roads, environmental impact and the development application process.
The construction of the first tomato glasshouse in 2005, at a cost of $60 million, was not only a welcome boost for the town but also the New England Region.
The owner and operator of the glasshouse, Costa is Australia’s leading horticultural business and they provide employment for many thousands of people across regional and rural sites throughout Australia.
At the Guyra glasshouse alone they employ more than 300 people, the vast majority of them from the local and surrounding area.
The economic benefits for the community will not just come in the way of new jobs. Local Costa Manager Rodney Merritt said that where possible Costa is making a conscious effort to use local suppliers and contractors for the construction and operation of the new glasshouse.
“Once operational the glasshouse will also provide ongoing work for local contractors and businesses," said Mr Merritt.
Mr Merritt also said that Costa and the Guyra Shire Council recognise the importance of consulting with the local community and keeping them informed of what the glasshouse development will involve.
Guyra Mayor Cr Hans Hietbrink said that all are welcome to attend to learn about the development and ask questions of Costa, Council staff and expert planning and design consultants
“Developments such as these do not come along very often for a country town and certainly not twice in the space of a decade,” said Mayor Hietbrink.