A state-of-the-art horticultural facility at Wells Crossing, south of Grafton, will expand after Provenance Propagation secured more than $2.1 million through the NSW Government’s Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program.
The funding will support an additional 1.38 hectares of controlled-environment propagation facilities, incorporating advanced automation and production technologies to boost output, create skilled local jobs and strengthen Australia’s fresh produce supply chain.
NSW Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson welcomed the investment, saying it would further establish the Clarence Valley as a leader in horticultural innovation.
“This is fantastic news for the Clarence Valley and a strong vote of confidence in one of Australia’s most innovative horticultural businesses,” Williamson said.
“Provenance Propagation is already leading the way with cutting-edge technology right here in the Clarence Valley, and this latest investment will help cement its reputation as a national leader while creating more skilled local jobs and driving economic growth across our region.”
Williamson said the announcement built on support provided under the former NSW Liberal-Nationals Government, which invested $900,000 through the Regional Job Creation Fund for the project’s first stage.
“I had the pleasure of touring the family-run operation with CEO Dr Jack Mooney shortly after Stage 1 opened in 2023, and I was incredibly impressed by what had been achieve.,” Williamson said.
“Jack is turning his long-held dream of creating Australia’s best high-tech plant nursery with state-of-the-art growing systems into a reality. It’s very exciting and is exactly the type of investment we want to see in the Clarence Valley – businesses embracing innovation, expanding their operations and creating highly skilled jobs close to home.
“I congratulate Jack and his team on securing this funding and on the vision and hard work they have shown in building one of Australia’s most advanced propagation facilities right here in the Clarence Valley.”
Provenance Propagation chief executive Dr Jack Mooney said the investment would enable the business to significantly expand production while supporting Australian growers and creating more skilled local jobs.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the NSW Government’s support, which will enable us to expand our facility with world-class automation and advanced production technologies,” Dr Mooney said.
“This investment will increase our production capacity, improve efficiency and help us deliver even more premium-quality seedlings to growers across Australia, while creating skilled local jobs and strengthening Australia’s fresh produce supply chain.”
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