Cannaponics gets green light to build Collie facility

Western Australian company Cannaponics has been given the all-clear to start construction of its medicinal cannabis manufacturing hub in Collie.

The site will be home to a 3,600 square metre greenhouse and a 2,000sqm manufacturing facility, where Cannaponics plans to produce medicinal cannabis products in the latter half of 2022.

Site works are under way and are being carried out by local businesses T & R Contracting and Donnybrook Civil Earthmoving Contractors.

The Shire of Collie has now approved the main construction works, which were recently awarded to Balcatta-based BallPoint Construction Group.

Construction is scheduled to finish before June 30 next year.

Cannaponics expects it will claim a significant portfion of the Australian medicinal cannabis market, which is forecast to increase to $1.2 billion by 2027.

“We now have every approval in place to fulfill our dream to build an industry in Collie that is going to benefit so many people’s lives,” founder and managing director Rod Zakostelsky said.

Shire of Collie president Sarah Stanley said the council was pleased to see the project take its next step.

"It’s an exciting new industry for our community, providing employment opportunities in a sustainable and scalable sector," she said.

The Collie facility is expected to create 50 jobs during construction and 24 permanent jobs once open.

The project is backed by the state government, which drew a $2 million investment from its Collie Futures Industry Development Fund in July.