02 Feb 2018 Shepparton News, Shepparton VIC (General News) by Hayden Thomson NEW FACILITY TO CREATE BENALLA EMPLOYMENT A $60 million concrete manufacturing facility set to be built in Benalla will create 400 jobs and provide a boost to the economy. Yesterday, Victorian Roads Minister Luke Donnellan and State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced Benalla as the site of the facility. This will be the largest precast facility in Victoria, creating hundreds of new jobs and providing a massive boost to Victorias manufacturing sector, Mr Donnellan said. Benalla businesses will operate the factory, which will supply precast concrete for major projects including the West Gate Tunnel. Capable of producing up to 1500 tonnes of concrete per day, a 700 m rail siding will be built along the Benalla rail line providing a direct link between the facility and Melbourne. Ms Symes said the announcement was great news for Benalla her home town. Itll bring jobs for locals and a boost to economic activity that will be felt throughout the region, she said. Construction will be under way soon . . . driving the local economy now and for many years to come. To limit the number of trucks on roads in the area, freight trains will transport the precast concrete segments for the West Gate Tunnel project to Melbourne. Construction of the Benalla precast facility is due to begin next month and it is expected be fully operational from October. Caption Text: Solid plans: State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Benalla Rural City Mayor Don Firth, Victorian Roads Minister Luke Donnellan and Benalla Rural City Council chief executive officer Tony McIlroy discuss plans for a new concrete manufacturing facility in Benalla. Picture: Simon RuppertLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.