Construction us underway on the Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre (RTDC) at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the Palaszczuk Government was investing $10 million to support this regional trade hub.
"The Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre will supercharge airfreight access for agricultural producers in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region," Mr Miles said.
"The distribution centre will open up international markets for graziers and growers making it easier to export our world's-best produce.
"This project is a fantastic boost for the local businesses in Toowoomba with the project supporting 170 FTE workers during construction and further jobs expected to be created through the supply chain and at the facility once operational.
"This is part of our Government's economic recovery plan, supporting projects that create jobs and support trade and our key industries like agriculture."
The facility will export premium goods including, but not limited to, beef, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, pork and packaged nuts.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said Wagner Corporation has appointed Queensland-based Hutchinson Builders as the principal contractor to manage the project build.
"Early bulk earthworks were completed by Wagner Corporation in late 2020, allowing Hutchinson to quickly commence and progress construction of this exciting project," the Treasurer said.
"It is hoped that the final slab pour will be completed by the end of February enabling construction works to take off and the facility to be operational by the end of 2021."
Steady progress has been made on the RTDC since October 2019 when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport as one of two proponents selected to receive support to develop the multi-million-dollar regional export hub.
"Exports remain vital to our economy with one in five Queensland jobs supported by exports," the Treasurer said.
"Once completed, the facility will deliver over 4,000 square metres in gross floor area comprising of 1,500 square metres of state-of-the-art refrigerated storage, freezer rooms and temperature-controlled transit areas as well as large ambient transit and covered external storage areas.
"This expansion of Wellcamp's cold storage capability will give our world-leading primary producers and exporters an edge by increasing product shelf life and getting products back into international markets that just can't get enough of Queensland's high-quality food, fibre and manufactured products."
Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner said the Toowoomba-based company was proud to be working with the Queensland Government on this world-class export facility and promoting the growth of Queensland exports and jobs.
"We are pleased to be able to progress works on this project so quickly to help our producers and suppliers get back on their feet after COVID-19 disruptions in 2020," Mr Wagner said.
"Since commencing in late 2016, Wellcamp's international freighter operations have shown year-on-year growth for both inbound and outbound volumes, and we expect this to continue with the completion of the RTDC."
Learn more about how the Queensland Government's $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund is supporting projects like the RTDC to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
