A new potato-processing plant in Dooen, Victoria, is set to create 250 jobs and is backed by a $300 million investment. The Victorian government approved the construction of the Farm Frites Australia facility on Wednesday. It will be located near the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub, about eight kilometers northeast of Horsham.

The plant is designed to operate continuously and will have the capacity to process 250,000 tonnes of Australian-grown potatoes annually. Farm Frites is known for supplying potato chips to major fast-food chains, including KFC and Hungry Jacks. The facility is expected to begin operations in 2027.

Danny Pearson, the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, expressed pride in supporting the project. "We're proudly backing companies to invest in advanced manufacturing because we know it is key to unlocking economic growth and creating more opportunities for all Victorians," he stated.

The planning permit for the facility was granted under the state's Development Facilitation Program, which aims to expedite decisions on projects that are anticipated to boost economic growth. The potato plant will be situated directly across from the proposed Avonbank mineral sands mine.

Kieran Prestidge, General Manager of Farm Frites Australia, highlighted the strategic advantages of the location. "Dooen is perfectly located between the best growing regions in Australia and has excellent road and rail links, which will help us put more Australian produce on plates and tables all around the country," he said.

Acting Horsham Rural City Mayor Brian Klowss welcomed the project but raised concerns about its proximity to the proposed Avonbank mine. "We’re looking forward to welcoming Farm Frites to our region," Mr. Klowss said. However, he expressed worries about potential cross-contamination between the potato plant and the mine, which is backed by Chinese company Wim Resource. The mine plans to extract 12.75 million tonnes of heavy-mineral concentrate, including critical minerals.

Emma Kealy, Member for Lowan, pointed out that housing for the new workers could become a challenge. "We love to have them come along, but we already have a lack of housing, and they will need accommodation," she said. Ms. Kealy noted that despite discussions about increasing housing, there has been little progress in regional areas.

Mr. Klowss emphasized the need for more support from the Victorian government for various industry projects in the region, including mineral sands mines and wind turbine facilities. "Some will be local, but I don't know [where they will live] because we haven't had strategic investment from the government. That's housing and healthcare," he added.