The impending closure of the Murray Goulburn dairy processing plant in Rochester has given rise to an advisory group aiming to soften the impact on the town and open new opportunities.
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Rochester Open for Business, comprised of representatives from local government, health, schools, business and the community, has identified five key objectives.
These include regular dialogue with Murray Goulburn, engagement with Regional Development Victoria, business coaching for local businesses, connecting with the Kiewa community group, and accessing state government funding to create a community economic development plan.
“We want Murray Goulburn to be proactive in their future plans for the Rochester site to ensure it is not mothballed, as well as providing support to redundant staff,” chairman and Campaspe Shire councillor Leigh Wilson said.
“Local organisations, the Rochester Community House and Rochester Elmore and District Health Service are also geared up to support staff in transitioning to retirement or re-employment and look after their health and welfare.”
The group has made a list of community projects and programs for the long-term benefit of the community, for which funding will be sought from Regional Development Victoria.
Cr Wilson said the closure of the dairy factory presented an opportunity for the town to reinvent itself.
He said this involved creating a township ready to embrace a new economy, developing strong partnerships and encouraging investment in new business opportunities, and demonstrating social and financial resilience.
The first workers to leave the plant will finish up this week.
