STATE development minister Kate Jones has announced the Wagner Corporation has finalised details ahead of construction on the Regional Trade Distribution Centre being delivered by the Queensland government at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
Ms Jones said the project would provide an immediate boost to businesses in Toowoomba with initial earthworks to start immediately.
“We’re working hard to fast-track projects that will get our economy moving again,” Ms Jones said.
“Earthworks will start immediately. This means jobs for local construction workers and contracts for suppliers.”
The announcement came after the government announced up to $10m to support a regional trade hub, focusing on exports, for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
“This hub will generate millions of dollars’ worth of business for local companies – particularly primary producers and exporters in the region,” Ms Jones said.
“We know that businesses are taking a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to get this hub up and running as soon as possible and the Wagners agree.”
The Wagner Corporation has submitted its development application for the 3500-square-metre RTDC facility to Toowoomba Regional Council and to provide work continuity to its staff, the company is getting a head start on the initial bulk earthworks at the airport.
“This will give our world-leading primary producers and exporters an edge, allowing them to return to international marketplaces that are keen to get as much of QLD’s high-quality products as they can,” Mr Jones said.
Ms Jones said following all the necessary approvals, the RTDC was scheduled to be built within 10 months.
Last October, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport as one of two successful tenderers vying to develop a multi-million-dollar regional export hub.
The expansion will comprise state-of-the-art large cold and freezer rooms and both temperature-controlled and ambient large transit areas.
The new facility will be used to export premium goods including, but not limited to, beef, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, pork and packaged nuts.
Wellcamp’s international freighter operations began in late 2016 and are showing year-on-year growth for both inbound and outbound volumes. The growth includes major defence support and a focus on perishable products to Asia and the Middle East.
