Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green announced the co-investment on Monday.

The lamb and mutton abattoir will use the investment to improve its production line and adding value to its global exports.

Ms Green said $250,000 from the state government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund would help secure the abattoir’s 300 existing jobs and add 30 more.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green announced the Labor government’s support for the project today, which will safeguard 300 existing jobs and create 30 new jobs in Ararat.

“That’s great news for the local economy and the community of Ararat,” Ms Green said.

“Ararat Abattoirs is the largest private sector employer in Ararat and we’re proud to support such an important regional business in its efforts to grow and innovate for the benefit of the local community.

“From July 1, we’re making it easier for regional Victorian businesses like Ararat abattoir do business and create jobs by cutting payroll tax by 25 percent – making it the lowest rate in the country.”

The tax cut will only apply to businesses spending more than $650,000 in total payroll.

Ararat Abattoirs general manager Michael Stapleton said the expansion was set to occur over the next 12 months.

“It will allow us to expand our plan so we can gain some efficiencies and put in some vital machinery that will allow us to do some value-added product,” he said.

“In doing that it will allow us to offer a great range of products to our customers, which will in turn boost production and grow the business.

“We’re glad of the helping hand from the government.”

The upgrade includes packaging equipment and a larger boning room.

Ararat Rural City mayor Paul Hooper said the growth would have a flow-on effect to the area’s economy and help increase the population.