Juicy launch for Abbot

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott officially opened the Grove Fruit Juice factory in Warwick on Thursday.
“This is a sign of the good things that can happen in regional Australia if good people have a go and I guess that’s my main message to the people of Australia today,” Mr Abbott said.
“This is actually a land of opportunity and challenge of government is to make it easier for the great people of regional Australia in making things happen,” he said.
“The bush has shaped our soul in a way that cities haven’t,” Mr Abbott said.
Southern Downs Regional Mayor Ron Bellingham thanked the owners of Grove Juice for relocating from Brisbane to Warwick.
“On behalf of our community, thank you for your confidence in investing in our region. It’s a real honour for me today to stand in this complex and see the investment and the commitment of this group to our community,” Cr Bellingham said.
Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott said he was pleased to see the large crowd at the opening, particularly Mr Abbott for investing his time in such an important venture in Maranoa.
“It’s great to see so many people come here today, from the Riverina, Brisbane, and parts of northern NSW, for the opening of such an important processing plant for eastern Australia,” Mr Scott said.
“This is strong confidence in regional Australia and indeed the Southern Downs,” he said.
Grove Fruit Juice partner Dick Estens said the plant sourced fruit from the local area, including apples from Stanthorpe and oranges from Moree and the Griffith area.
It will operate 365 days a year at its site in Kenilworth Street, Warwick.
The relocation and expansion will increase Grove’s production of citrus and apples from 18,000 tonnes per year to 72,000 tonnes in four years time. It could mean more than 60 job vacancies for the Southern Downs.
Owner Greg Willis said he received enormous support from local residents, businesses and the Southern Downs Regional Council when he decided to relocate to Warwick.
Story: Rebecca Brown