Water upgrades cherry good news for local jobs

01/12/2025

Victoria’s cherry season is officially underway.

So, it was the perfect time for Koala Cherries, a leading producer in the Upper Goulburn Valley, to unveil a new $2.8 million water pipeline at its Yarck site.

Black water pipeline pushing water out through two vertical nozzles, creating a fountain effect. The surrounding water is brown, and green grass, gum trees and hills can be seen to the top of the frame.

The upgrade is helping the company to ramp-up production, fuelling business growth and creating more local jobs.

A staple for many households over the festive season, Victoria’s cherry production is reliant on consistent and controlled water. Too little or too much water can impact cherry size, quality and tree health.

The new 8.5 kilometre water pipeline will deliver more than 2,000 megalitres of irrigation water to the Yarck site annually – providing a steady and reliable water source for the orchard’s 150,000 cherry trees.

"You can’t do anything in our game without secure water and this project has given us production certainty and paved the way for future growth," said Koala Cherries Managing Director Michael Rouget.

The increased production capacity has supported the creation of 11 new full-time jobs while securing an existing 85 roles at the business. It has also paved the way for Koala Cherries to build a new 85-hectare orchard.

That will enable Koala Cherries to supply an additional 1,000 tonnes of cherries each year for both domestic and export markets. The expansion will also help sustain a seasonal workforce of more than 1,000 people.

"Completion of the pipeline has removed a significant risk and uncertainty for our business and allowed us to expand our orchards and production to supply our growing export markets, underpinning jobs in our region," said Mr. Rouget.

Koala Cherries’ Yarck orchard, with the image looking downhill at hundreds of lines of cherry trees, under a cloud blue sky. Hills and gum trees are visible in the distance.

Koala Cherries has invested several million dollars in the orchard expansion and in the infrastructure needed to support increased production. They have also added refrigeration and cooling storage along with upgrades to its existing packing line to keep cherries as fresh as possible.

The company has been a family owned and run business for more than 80 years. Based at its Yarck site in the Upper Goulburn Valley since 1988, the business name was inspired by the surrounding native bushland and its local koala population.

Our support for Koala Cherries is part of our work to make our regional cities and towns even better places to live, work, invest, study and visit.