The jobs of workers at the Mushroom Exchange in Mernda (pictured) should be more secure with news that $15 million expansion plans for the farm – the largest mushroom producer in the southern hemisphere – will go to Planning Minister Matthew Guy after gaining support from Whittlesea Council and many residents.
But the company has sliced its original $30 million budget, which would have created 300 jobs, with the latest scheme to create only 50 positions.
The Mushroom Exchange wants its Cookes Road site rezoned from farming to special uses specifically for mushroom farming to secure its future.
In return, it promised to remove a composting facility to prevent potential future conflict with residents in new housing estates in Mernda and Doreen and to place new mushroom production and warehouse facilities away from the nearest houses.
