Wodonga Rendering, which also includes the abattoirs, will benefit from a $330,000 state grant to assist with the development of a wastewater recycling project at Wodonga.

The announcement was made yesterday by Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan.

The project follows the commissioning of a new wastewater treatment plant in 2003 by North East Water.

“At the time of the construction, a ‘return’ recycled water pipeline was laid to allow for the future return of high-quality recycled water to the Wodonga industrial precinct,” Ms Allan said.

Five years ago, Wodonga Rendering was using 650 megalitres of water each year, but after working with North East Water, cut it to 420 megalitres.

Now, the initiative will annually substitute 150 megalitres of high-quality recycled water for potable water.

Wodonga Rendering general manager Jon Hayes said it was a challenge the company had been able to initiate.

North East Water’s Fiona Smith said it was a significant investment.

“The funding will be matched by North East Water and Wodonga Rendering,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Allan also announced a $250,000 funding for Wodonga Council’s Transport and Distribution Industry Support Unit.

The funding will be used to help create employment projects to achieve jobs for a minimum of 35 unemployed and disadvantaged job-seekers within the transport, distribution and logistics sector.

Wodonga Council was successful in gaining $120,000 funding from the Victorian Government in March to manage the unit, which will specifically develop and implement job creation and awareness strategies at a regional level.