City in prime position for export hub

TOWNSVILLE is perfectly placed to bid for a $ 10 million export distribution centre, Townsville Enterprise says.

Last week the State Government opened expressions of interest to regional Queensland cities wanting to become the centre’s home.

The centre could include processing capacity, export biosecurity capabilities, cold storage and handling facilities to support agricultural exports.

TEL policy and investment director Michael McMillan said they would “absolutely” be working on getting the export centre built in Townsville.

“We’re well and truly speaking to stakeholders about what this represents for us as an opportunity,” he said.

“Townsville is strategically well placed to be the spout of the funnel.”

Mr McMillan said Townsville’s international airport and a well- serviced port, made the city stand out.

The other factor is Townsville is situated around large agricultural producing areas.

“It will be a difficult proposition for other places to put forward,” Mr McMillan said.

TEL will work with Townsville Airport on developing their proposal for the State Government.

State Development and Infrastructure Minister Cameron Dick said the centre would be built in an area close to agriculture and near an export- ready regional airport.

“Proponents across the agri- cultural supply chain, from farmers, co- operatives, agricultural processors and distributors, freight and logistics companies through to airport operators and private investment companies are invited to register their interest today,” he said.

Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner said the centre would boost agricultural output, help grow job opportunities and lift the economy in regional Queensland.

“As I travel around the state and meet with farmers, I see first- hand the high standard of produce we create here in Queensland,” he said.

“By increasing capacity we can export more of our freshest and finest produce such as fruit and vegetables, seafood, meat and cut flowers to flourishing overseas export markets.”

Registrations close at 5pm on Friday, June 29.