Fast-growing start up Cannatrek and their Canadian partner CannTrust will invest $30 million to establish a world-class cannabis cultivation facility in Shepparton, Victoria.
Once completed, the project will become the largest medicinal cannabis greenhouse project of its kind in the country, creating up to 75 new local jobs.
The positions include 65 roles at the soon-to-be-constructed Shepparton cultivation and manufacturing facility and around 10 roles at the company’s Australian Headquarters at the La Trobe University campus at Bundoora.
Cannatrek’s CEO Tommy Huppert said the project, which is supported by the Victorian Government, will be fully automated and will use solar and alternative power generation.
“Our mission is to not only place the cannabis plant front and centre in production excellence, but to funnel our resources for patient care, with affordable medicine to those in need”, Mr Huppert added.
“Regional Victoria is blessed with abundant daylight, possessing the ideal climate for growing this valuable medicinal resource. Cannatrek is grateful for the opportunity to pioneer this industry.”
The company is also working towards a research and education partnership with La Trobe University at its Research and Innovation Precinct.
“Recognised as a national leader in the fast-developing field of medicinal agriculture, La Trobe University welcomes support for this emerging company and looks forward to the co-location of Cannatrek within our Research and Innovation Precinct,” said La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said the project is scheduled to be in production by 2020.
“Victoria is continuing to lead the way as the medicinal cannabis hub of the Southern Hemisphere and we are proud to support Cannatrek’s significant expansion in regional Victoria,” the Minister continued.
“We’re proud to be actively attracting investment in this ground-breaking industry that will not only improve the lives of patients around the world, but also create local jobs.”
