The initiative marks a major investment in regional agribusiness, job creation and export growth in the Goulburn Valley region of north-east Victoria.
A key piece of the project is an 8km pipe drawing water from the Goulburn River to irrigate existing and newly developed cherry orchards in Yarck.
The project started in 2017 and has proceeded with the support of the Victorian government, Department of Transport, VicRoads, Goulburn Murray Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, local land owners and the local Taungurung community.
The secure water supply will be used to underpin Koala Cherries’ expansion of export sales.
Discussing the business’s plans to double cherry production in Yarck in the next five years, Koala Cherries managing director Michael Rouget said they are going to use this water to feed their export markets.
The Yarck Pipeline eliminates a major risk factor from the cherry growing operation.
Michael explains during the past three decades, around two-thirds of the seasons have been dry, with several major droughts severely impacting production.
“With a permanent crop like cherries, you simply can’t go without water for even a month – you have to keep the trees alive,” he says.
“The benefit of this pipeline is that it takes away this risk completely.”
After eight years in development, the project is set to boost the Goulburn Valley’s regional economy and strengthen local employment.
“Our business is labour intensive, so it’ll create a lot of jobs in the area” Michael says.
“The pipeline offers a lot of benefits for our business but also for the broader community as well,” he says.
Koala Cherries currently employs more than 60 full-time staff, many with specialised skills from agronomy, packing technology operation, marketing and finance to logistics.
This workforce increases to more than 1000 seasonal workers each cherry season.
The new pipeline has been designed with future growth in mind so it will support further expansion across the orchards and packing facilities in Yarck, broadening job opportunities across all areas of the business.
“Additionally, we’ve modelled (the pipeline) so we can provide water to the broader community as well,” Michael adds.
The pipeline’s design allows nearby farms to link into the system, opening the door for local landowners to access the same secure and reliable water supply.
The completion of this project represents a proud milestone for the family business.
Cousins and business partners Michael and Simon Rouget have dedicated more than eight years to bringing the idea to life, from its initial concept through to completion, showcasing their commitment and perseverance.
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