Three medicinal cannabis facilities expected to create thousands of jobs in Victoria and South Australia have been granted Major Project Status by the Morrison Government.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the projects would help Australia continue to develop its medicinal cannabis industry.

“When you combine our world-renowned agriculture sector, with our trusted reputation for medical products, Australia is in a unique position to dominate the global medicinal cannabis industry,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Morrison Government is committed to making it as easy as possible for businesses to maximise those opportunities because we know these projects equal Aussies jobs.

“Each of these projects will also drive economic growth, including in regional areas.”

LeafCann is a biotech company which plans to produce high quality, pharmaceutical grade medicinal cannabis ingredients and medicines in Adelaide, South Australia as part of a $350 million investment.

When its state-of-the-art cultivation and production facility is fully operational it is expected to generate more than 1400 jobs, in addition to 850 during development.

Other projects include:

• PhytoGro’s $140 million medicinal cannabis cultivation and medical device manufacturing facility in Melbourne’s inner west which is estimated to create around 300 new ongoing jobs at full capacity.
• Cannatrek’s $160 million medicinal cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley region is expected to create 400 full time positions at full capacity.

Last year it was announced medicinal cannabis licence applications for projects granted Major Project Status were being prioritised within the Office of Drug Control’s licencing process.

Six medicinal cannabis projects have been given such status since then.

Major Project Status is the Commonwealth Government’s recognition of the strategic significance of a project to Australia. It provides companies with extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including a single entry point for Commonwealth Government approvals, project support and coordination, and help with state and territory approvals.

For more information on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency and the full list of current major projects, visit www.mpaa.gov.au.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070