Jobs agency Verto said they were receiving up to 10 requests per day for work at the abattoir while Sureway said they had received “quite a few” requests.

The abattoir, now named Hilltops Meats, is expected to open in October.

“We’re getting enquiries every day about the abattoirs and we have been collecting resumes for three to five years,” a Verto spokesperson said.

“We have referred them to BE Campbell (meat wholesaler operating the abattoir).”

In June this year principal Ted Campbell said 100 jobs would be created when the works re-opens, although he was reluctant to commit to a date.

More than 300 jobs were lost when the abattoir closed suddenly in early 2010, placing a strain on the local economy.

But council said the mood of the business community and job seekers was now one of optimism.

“It’s definitely giving off a very positive vibe on people’s perspective of the future of Young,” deputy mayor Ben Cooper said.

“It will obviously increase employment and hopefully open apprenticeship opportunities for young people in local schools as well.

“It will increase tenancy rates by bringing new workers and residents into town.”

Cr Cooper said bringing a big employer like this to town was a big deal because of its indirect benefits too.

He said local businesses were conscious of the flow-on effects the abattoirs, once opened, will have and how the economy might “pick up”.

“[It will] obviously generate employment for locals with more money passing through town and inject it into local businesses.

“Most people I talk to say ‘yep, everything will pick up once the abattoirs open’… Everyone is very excited to have an industry like [this] in town.” 

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor met with the manager of Hilltop Meats during his visit to the town on Monday.

He said he was confident the local economy was in a good shape.

“I’m very optimistic with the new businesses starting up in Young, including the reopening of the abattoir…” he said.