This follows the completion of final fit-out rectification works that were required following a facility audit in late 2023.
The Murray Plains Meat Co-operative will progress towards poultry processing initially, then complete processing audits for other species.
The Barham Micro Abattoir is designed as a multi-species facility that will cater to "paddock-to-plate" producers across the region.
The project was the brainchild of the Murray Plains Meat Co-operative and was formed in response to the closure of local abattoirs.
Murray River Council was awarded $2.2 million of state and federal funding on behalf of the co-operative for the establishment of the micro-abattoir.
This positioned council as the project manager of the build and subsequent owner of the facility.
Council’s director community economic development Sarah Ryan welcomed the milestone.
“It’s welcome news that the facility can now commence operations,” she said.
“Whilst it’s been a lengthy process to ensure all checks and balances are in place, it’s exciting to now see this project come to life.
“The local meat and poultry industry provides significant employment opportunities in Barham and district, so we look forward to the ongoing success of this transformative project and its contribution to the economic growth of the local region.”
The directors of Murray Plains Meat Cooperative are thrilled to have reached this important milestone, where they can now begin staffing and training for poultry processing.
“We are committed to establishing a high-quality livestock processing facility and are grateful for the council's support in helping us achieve this goal,” the group said in a statement.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the funding bodies whose support has been crucial to this project's success.”
Under the lease agreement, council will remain custodians of the building for a period of 12 months from commencement of the lease, at which time complete ownership can be transferred to the Murray Plains Meat Co-operative.
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