Business
16 July, 2026
Funding hatches high-tech future for Goulburn
A world-leading poultry genetics company in Goulburn has secured more than $675,000 in NSW Government funding to install advanced hatchery technology designed to improve efficiency, animal welfare and biosecurity.
A world-leading poultry genetics company in Goulburn has secured more than $675,000 in NSW Government funding to install advanced hatchery technology designed to improve efficiency, animal welfare and biosecurity.
Aviagen will receive $675,228 through the NSW Government's Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program to install an early candling system at its Goulburn hatchery.
The imaging technology will allow eggs to be assessed for fertility and embryo development much earlier in the incubation process than current methods, improving hatchery operations while reducing resource use.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the investment would strengthen productivity and reinforce Goulburn's role in Australia's agricultural sector.
"Congratulations to Aviagen on securing this significant funding and continuing to invest in the future of its Goulburn operations," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"Aviagen is one of the region's largest employers and a global leader in poultry genetics, so it's fantastic to see this investment bringing world-leading technology to Goulburn."
Aviagen's Goulburn operations play a key role in Australia's poultry industry, producing breeding stock that supports around one-third of the chicken consumed nationwide.
The company employs about 100 people in Goulburn and around 160 staff across Australia.
Click below for Wendy Tuckerman's views on the announcement.
Mrs Tuckerman said the new technology would allow embryo viability to be assessed earlier than current processes, delivering productivity gains while improving animal welfare and reducing environmental impacts.
"Innovations like this help businesses produce more with less, reducing input costs and environmental impacts while creating a stronger and more sustainable agricultural sector," she said.
She said the funding highlighted the importance of regional communities in driving growth and innovation across NSW agriculture.
"Aviagen has been a valued part of the Goulburn community for many years, and this investment will deliver benefits well beyond the facility itself by supporting local jobs, local suppliers and economic activity across the region.
"With around 100 local employees and plans to continue expanding, Aviagen's success is good news for Goulburn, good news for regional NSW and good news for Australia's food security.
"I look forward to seeing Aviagen continue to grow, create jobs and contribute to the prosperity of Goulburn and Australia for many years to come."
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