General News
5 March, 2025
$425 million windfall
Dooen is set to become the frozen chip capital of Victoria if a proposed $425 million potato production facility gets the green light.
Farm Frites Australia specialises in manufacturing frozen potato products and is planning to establish its first Australian production facility on the Freight Terminal Road at Dooen after what it said had been a nationwide search for a suitable location.
General manager Kieran Prestidge said this week in a prepared announcement the company had decided on the site because it was one of the best growing regions in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
"In addition to Dooen's proud agricultural history, the proposed site also has excellent connections to rail and road networks," Mr Prestidge said.
He said the proposed Dooen Farm Frites production facility would operate 24 hours a day, creating 250 jobs for local workers and training and career opportunities for local students.
Currently the owners are seeking planning and environmental approvals from the state government, Horsham Rural City Council and the Environmental Protection Authority.
Mr Prestidge said Dooen was the perfect choice for Australian-grown, Australian-made frozen chips and potato products for Australian tables, restaurants and venues.
Company representatives will be at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days to answer questions about the proposed facility, with information sessions and one-on-one bookings available.
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross said he was very pleased about the proposed investment in the Wimmera and the jobs it would create.
"I think this production facility could be a positive in the sustainability and growth of Dooen," Cr Ross said.
The proposed site for the facility is close to the proposed open-cut Avonbank Mineral Sands strip mine planned for the Dooen area.
Cr Ross said he was confident any concerns would be dealt with during the due diligence process.
Farm Frites is an independent family-owned business, founded in 1971 in Oudenhoorn in South Holland, the Netherlands.
It provides products to more than 100 countries around the world.