A flagship facility set to drive innovation in Queensland's biofuels sector has officially opened today following a $18 million funding commitment from the Australian and Queensland Governments and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
The upgraded facility, located near the Pioneer Valley, advances Queensland's ambition to become an Asia-Pacific biomanufacturing hub.
This will empower innovative companies to work with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers to create new types of food and other bioproducts, offering dietary alternatives and sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges.
A key feature of the cutting-edge facility is its fermentation bioreactors, which allows companies to fast-track product development in the food and beverage sector.
This facility will enable innovative companies to take their ideas beyond the lab and into commercial reality, building Queensland's reputation as a regional leader in biomanufacturing.
The global bioeconomy is a valuable growth sector, currently valued at more than $6 trillion, and is predicted by the World Bioeconomy Forum to grow to over $30 trillion by 2050, equivalent to a third of total global economic value.
The upgrade was jointly funded, with more than $8.6 million from the Australian Government, over $2.3 million from the Queensland Government, and more than $7.1 million from QUT. It was completed in association with Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator.
Using the Pioneer BioPilot, QUT researchers are now partnering with Eclipse Ingredients and other institutions in a $5.5 million project to commercialise human lactoferrin, a powerful protein in breastmilk and immune cells with immune-boosting, iron-enhancing, anti-inflammatory properties.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Pioneer BioPilot is about bringing together world-class research and innovation, which are key strengths that can underpin Australia's bioeconomy development.
"The Australian Government is proud to have helped bring this leading pilot-scale fermentation facility to life, which will put Mackay and Queensland front and centre of the Asia-Pacific's biomanufacturing landscape."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie:
"The Crisafulli Government continues to invest in Queensland's biofuels industry through our $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, to create jobs and drive regional economies.
"This $18 million upgrade will support Queensland businesses to bring new ideas to market and strengthen the State's agricultural and manufacturing sectors."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development Sean Dillon:
"This is about turning Queensland's agricultural strengths into global opportunities, aligning with our bold vision for primary industries in Prosper 2050.
"The upgraded MRBPP gives local researchers and industry the tools to turn biomass into high-value products - right here in Mackay.
"It's a powerful demonstration of how regional Queensland is open for business, strongly appealing to companies looking to use sugar feedstocks for their products."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland:
"This investment positions Australia as a serious player in the global bioeconomy and, importantly, it will make Mackay one of the driving forces for our future economy.
"Like many, I am passionate about ensuring that Queensland's regional centres see the economic benefits of transitioning to Net Zero by 2050.
"The Albanese Government has been clear that this transition is not just an investment in our planet, but an investment in the jobs, skills and technology of tomorrow. These facilities are a clear demonstration of that."
Quotes attributable to QUT Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy researcher Professor Ian O'Hara:
"The QUT Pioneer BioPilot is pioneering research and innovation in biomanufacturing, working with government and industry to position Queensland as a globally connected innovation hub.
"This unlocks opportunities in areas such as biofuels and precision fermentation, enhancing economic impact and sustainability.
"This upgrade puts Queensland, which has 95 per cent of Australia's sugarcane industry, at the heart of this area of innovation and opportunity.
"No one else in Australia can provide the capability we are offering Australian industries through the QUT Pioneer BioPilot."
Quotes attributable to Director of the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) Dr Chris Downs:
"The facility improves access for companies right across Australia.
"The QUT Pioneer BioPilot provides key infrastructure, allowing companies to take new innovations from the lab to pilot-scale.
"FaBA is investing in precision fermentation so that companies of all sizes can develop new products and ingredients, in turn helping grow Australia's food and beverage manufacturing sector."
Quotes attributable to Eclipse Ingredients CEO Siobhan Coster:
"I am thrilled to be working with QUT and FaBA on the project, which has the potential to transform health outcomes across the lifespan.
"The partnership with QUT is crucial because it bridges the gap between breakthrough science and real-world impact.
"It allows us to scale our product and process from lab to commercial readiness right here in Queensland."
