Vol. 18 No. 24
FREE PUBLICATION
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
BEATING THE HEAT: Horsham College students, from left, Jayden Robertson, Tom Roberts, Josh Freeman, Jack Colbert and Matt JorgensenPrice prepare to take part in Horsham College swimming trials at Horsham Aquatic Centre’s War Memorial Swimming Pool. Students from years seven to nine took part in the trials in an effort to qualify for the college’s annual swimming carnival next year. Children counting down the end of the school year across the region had a taste of what summer holidays might bring at the weekend with temperatures climbing into the high 30s. Picture: KELLY LAIRD
Protein idea support Mr Broad said the concept, based on waste product from pulse crops, represented the type of project the Federal Government’s $1.1-billion National Innovation and Science Agenda, announced this week, would encourage and support. He said the idea of developing an industry to meet world-wide demand was a prime example of development, creativity and innovation – what the agenda was all about.
IN THIS ISSUE
“I think it would be a good fit. I believe the agenda will be all about taking what we do and being smart in developing ways to hit our markets. There are a lot of opportunities we can explore,” he said. Wimmera development leaders announced earlier this year they were on the hunt for investors willing to pump $30 million into a protein-powder industry in the region. The concept, the result of four years of research, involves extracting protein from the waste of pulse crops and processing a final product in a proposed Burnt Creek factory on the outskirts of Horsham. Mr Broad, a farmer with a strong background in food production and marketing, is a fan of the idea devel-
oped by Wimmera Development Association with grains industry group Wimmera Grains Cluster. “We are innovative in this region and in many regards rural Australia has been leading the pack for a long time,” he said. “I see a lot of positives and value in the project. If there is something the world needs, it is protein. It is high value, not expensive to transport in the developing world and the sports market wants it.”
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Mr Broad said the agenda would establish closer connections between industry and research, particularly in agriculture. “Critically, it ensures our young people are coming out of school, training and university, armed with the skills for the future,” he said. Mr Broad said the agenda provided a chance for Wimmera and Mallee development projects to grow while embracing the potential that lay ahead. “This is an agenda that recognises we live in a rapidly evolving world and for us to remain competitive and to capitalise on the opportunities available, we need to be on the forefront of research and innovation,” he said. “It is also recognises the best way to achieve this is through collaboration.”
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Consumer demand
There is a high international and national consumer demand for protein powder used in the health and fitness industry and as a general supplement to improve food quality.
Mr Broad commented on the protein-powder concept while declaring the region was primed to take advantage of the government agenda. He said the program would offer new opportunities while supporting industry research and development. “Strong, prosperous regional communities and innovation, research and development, go hand in hand,” he said. “This new agenda provides opportunities for people living regionally to make the most of new technology. The agenda has a wide scope, providing help for businesses to innovate and grow, fostering entrepreneurism through tax breaks and by offering start-up businesses better access to the capital they need.”
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BY DEAN LAWSON
ember for Mallee Andrew Broad believes a proposed protein-powder industry in the Wimmera would fit neatly under a new government national innovation program.