Projects boosting region

THE massive predicted growth in the state’s economic standing is largely pinned on major Darling Downs projects which shore up supply routes and accessibility to export ports, a new report has found.

The Colliers International Paddock to Port report, said the Queensland agricultural sector was forecast to deliver $16.8 billion to the state’s economy, and much of the wealth would flow as a result of major Toowoomba projects, in particular the Wellcamp Business Park, InterLink SQ and Witmack Industrial Park.

Colliers International rural and agribusiness national director Rawdon Briggs said the projects backed up the value of Wellcamp airport, the Second Range Crossing and Inland Rail.

“These infrastructure projects will further add to Queensland’s growth by creating employment, improving access to road, rail, air and port facilities and ultimately leading to increased productivity and export capability,” he said.

“With the gross value of Australian farm production at $58.4 billion in 2016-17, this sector now needs the ability to shift output from the paddock to port seamlessly.”

Billed as a “game changing project”, the report singled out the InterLinkSQ intermodal transport centre which is slated to be operational next month.

It will connect the region to the Port of Brisbane and West Moreton Rail Line.

“They will create cost efficiencies in distributing food perishables and high-value product through reduced transportation time and associated costs, and in turn reduce carbon emissions and congestion on major arterial roads,” Mr Briggs said.

The report said demand for “industrial warehousing, cold room and distribution centres is likely to further increase” in the region as the projects near completion.