CSBP's Albany expansion continues tradition of regional development

25/3/04
CSBP has celebrated 50 years' presence in the Albany region with further major expansion of its facilities.
A new $1.3million fertiliser blending plant and $1.2million sulfuric acid dilution system were officially opened today, during celebrations marking 50 years of continued regional investment.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance congratulated the company for not only contributing significantly to regional agriculture, but also to the Albany community by providing employment opportunities and sponsorship for various activities.
Mr Chance said CSBP Albany had progressed from selling just over 28,000 tonnes of superphosphate in its first year of production to selling now about four times that amount, covering 53 different products.
"In 1954, when then Premier Albert Hawke opened the Albany facility, he may not have envisaged the key role CSBP would play in the development of agriculture in Western Australia," the Minister said.
"Without superphosphate, the tremendous advances made in our agricultural practices over the past 50 years would not have been possible.
"The range of enterprises in this region has changed noticeably in recent years, with high production cropping and pasture businesses operating alongside viticulture and forestry enterprises.
"The natural consequence is higher demand for customised nutrient mixes suitable to specific crops and pastures.
"This new plant will address that demand and ensures CSBP has the capacity to provide greater levels of service and deliver high quality products to local farmers."
The new sulfuric acid dilution system replaces a lead chamber acid plant that served Albany for 47 years. In addition, and to complement the two new facilities, CSBP has made a significant investment in new state-of-the-art equipment.
"CSBP's new investments will ensure producers have the ability to deliver precise levels of nutrients to both crops and pastures, which in turn will result in them being better able to manage nutrient loads in the environment - a key sustainability objective," Mr Chance said.
"The State Government congratulates CSBP on the lasting contribution it has made to the economic strength of the Albany and Great Southern communities."
Meinister's office: 9213 6700