One of Australia's most productive agricultural areas is set to be home to a new food manufacturing and distribution hub. The Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct (SRAIP) is now a step closer after the Coordinator-General recommended it proceeds, subject to conditions.
Expanding the operations of Queensland-owned vegetable farming and marketing company Kalfresh, the precinct would unlock new market opportunities for local farmers and create new employment opportunities in the Scenic Rim local government area.
Circular economy aspects of the project include the redirection of waste from landfill to create electricity and fertilizer, and the reuse of treated industrial wastewater for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Kalfresh anticipate the facility would generate the project's full power needs, with residual power fed back into the local electricity grid. Representing an investment of $291 million, the precinct will create 641 direct jobs over the 10-year construction period and an additional 475 direct jobs annually during operation.
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace: "The Miles Government continues to support projects that deliver renewable energy outcomes, environmentally sustainable solutions and create new jobs. This is an ambitious project that aims to create an integrated agri-industrial hub in the Scenic Rim region of Queensland and benefit local farmers."
"The project is expected to create direct economic and supply chain contributions, unlocking new market opportunities for local farmers, and creating new employment opportunities. A unique feature of the project is the inclusion of a facility which converts organic agricultural waste into renewable energy. The proposed facility would also provide a new source of fertiliser for the local farming community to use in crop production adding value to what would normally end up as waste."
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner: "This is a visionary initiative that combines food manufacturing, bioenergy production, and sustainable practices. It promises economic growth, job opportunities, and a greener future for Queensland agriculture."
"The initial stages of the development involve the construction of two vegetable processing facilities, the anaerobic digestion facility, roads and utility installation and connections. Following this, a composting facility would be developed, producing up to 50,000 tonnes per annum of compost. During operations, the project's significant food manufacturing capacity is anticipated to benefit local farmers and businesses by enhancing supply chain benefits and ensuring consistent, reliable market demand. Once fully developed, there is an estimated contribution of over $140 million to the Scenic Rim economy per year in gross value added."
Source: statements.qld.gov.au