Councillors voted in favour of the motion during a closed session at their ordinary meeting on June 14.

The money has been awarded to civil construction firm Pipecon for the construction at Wendouree.

Council infrastructure and environment director Terry Demeo said in a written statement the money was to provide a new entrance to McCain as part of the company’s major plant upgrade.

“The $853,709 contract was awarded to Pipecon to undertake initial stage one reconstruction of Ring Road,” he said.

“McCain are also contributing to the cost of this project.”

The frozen food company has been undertaking significant upgrades of its Ballarat potato plan.

McCain announced the completion of the projects first stage earlier this month.

A major safety improvement to reduce the number of trucks waiting on Ring Road was part of the first stage.

The full project includes the construction of a new potato receiving storage facility and new equipment at McCain’s.

It is expected to be completed by February 2019.

Cr Mark Harris said he understood there was still some work to be completed at the entrance to the plant.

“We have made a financial commitment to the weighbridge and the standing area in front,” he said.

“It is part of council’s economic commitment to that project.”

The major upgrade at McCain’s was initially in doubt when more than 300 workers took industrial action to protest changes to their enterprise bargaining agreement in April last year.

Plant manager Karl Thin said the project ensured the plant’s future for the next 15 years when he spoke with The Courier on June 1.

“Planning for this type of work is really difficult but the reality is, if we can continue to invest and build in here, that’s exactly what we’re going to be trying to do.”