The Victorian Government is helping one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of natural and organic food products reduce its power bills and retain jobs.
Victorian Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas visited Pureharvest in Drouin to see the company’s $1.25 million solar panels project, which is reducing its emissions by 1,150 tonnes a year.
The Victorian Government is supporting local businesses in cutting energy costs by raising efficiency and finding alternative energy solutions, with $90 million invested so far.
Pureharvest’s non-dairy milks, juices, cold press oils and organic grains are found in major supermarkets and health food retailers across the country.
They also export to South-East Asia, China, New Zealand, the Middle East and Europe.
Pureharvest is also benefitting from the Victorian Government’s regional payroll cuts, which mean that by 2022-23 they will be paying just a quarter of the metro rate.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 was the third Budget in a row where the regional payroll tax has been reduced and comes in addition to further tax initiatives for regional businesses, like stamp duty discounts for the purchase of commercial and industrial properties.
For an eligible $500,000 property purchased after 1 July 2023 this would mean a $12,535 discount.
More than 500 eligible businesses based in the Latrobe-Gippsland region have already shared in payroll tax savings of more than $38.3 million.
Source: Vic Government