Call to upgrade freight to Asia
Customers gather at new coffee hot spot
CO-OPERATIVE Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia chairwoman Sheriden Morris has called for a rethink of freight and supply chains across North Australia to take advantage of close and willing trade partners in Asia.
Delegates have hailed the centre’s inaugural mission to Singapore last week a success.
The four-day visit culminated in an address by Ms Morris to Singapore’s top scientists, researchers and business people at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence.
“A consistent message we received was that Singapore wants more from Australia but the biggest barrier to further trade and investment was a lack of infrastructure – specifically a cost-effective supply chain and transport network to get more produce up into Asia in a timely fashion,” Ms Morris said.
“The CRCNA and the Office of Northern Australia can play a critical role in helping identify solutions to resolve these barriers, by supporting research collaborations between Singaporean businesses and researchers and businesses, researchers and governments across Northern Australia.
“We think there is a significant opportunity to explore ways to re-frame how we think about freight and supply chains across the North and we look forward to continuing to progress these discussions.
“Our neighbours are wanting us to resolve issues around transport, scale of supply, product stabilisation and logistics. And it is clear there are opportunities to share knowledge and expertise in these areas which may provide the solutions the North needs.”
She said organisations like A*STAR, Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Economic Development Board and private businesses showed genuine interest in partnering with Northern Australian businesses and the CRCNA to identify mutually beneficial projects across the ASEAN region.
Office of Northern Australia’s Mark Coffey said Northern Australian businesses and investors could draw on the expertise Singapore has as a cold chain logistics provider. WHITFIELD’S newest coffee spot is earning praise with local real estate principal, RE/ MAX’s Tony Williamson and Sydney-based coffee roaster and barista trainer The Little Marionette posting plaudits online.
Woodward St Bakery, owned by Andrew Keable and Sarah Cossa of Earlville’s Cobber’s Crust Bakery, opened on Monday and a steady stream of customers has visited the quaint, cottage-like cafe at 216 Woodward St.
“Opening at 6.30 on Monday morning, it’s been incredibly busy,” Mr Keable said.
“People are really embracing the concept. It’s initially been locals who have been watching the development over the past month.
“People are loving the artisan breads because they’re organic and made with sustainable flour, people are loving the benefits in terms of the flour and the integrity of the seed.”
Staff from The Little Marionette trained Woodward St Bakery baristas and will supply the beans.
The site has been transformed over the past few weeks from a fish and chip shop into a modern, tasteful place to gather.
Woodward St Bakery stock favourites from Cobber’s Crust Bakery include pies, pasties and sausage rolls, as well as sweet treats, but it will have a bigger focus on artisan bread production.
Mr Keable said previously he wanted to cater for everyone, “from the tradies who just want to grab a pie, to the locals who want to relax in a beautiful space”.
In March this year, The Nest opened just a few blocks away in McManus St.