Export hub bid gathers support

TOWNSVILLE is being pitched as the export hub for more than $ 1 billion worth of agricultural goods in a submission to the State Government.

If successful, it would see the introduction of international flights to centres such as Singapore and the consolidation of sea freight, currently diverted to Brisbane, at Townsville.

Peter Hinsch, a director of Harbourside Coldstores – a lead proponent in a consortium backed by Townsville Airport, Port of Townsville and Townsville Enterprise – said the proposal was a “no- brainer” and deserving of government support.

“I can see a lot of merit in this. We think we have a good case,” Mr Hinsch said.

Townsville is vying with centres including Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns for the Government’s Regional Export Distribution Centre project.

Some $ 10 million is up for grabs in a project designed to supercharge agricultural exports to key international markets. Harbourside Coldstores, near Townsville port, has been a big seafood and beef export facility that is now mostly focused on domestic trade but has export accreditations in fish, beef, sheep, pork, chicken, dairy products, frozen egg products and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Harbourside’s submission says Townsville is a priority location for a Regional Export Distribution Centre and offers a robust, unique and well- developed value proposition.

“North Queensland is an epicentre of agricultural productivity for the state, producing more than $ 1 billion in gross value of agricultural commodities in 2016- 17 across livestock, cropping, horticulture and aquaculture,” it says.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said Townsville was perfectly placed to establish a distribution hub exporting the region’s products to the world.

“When products from North Queensland are being exported from the southeast, instead of directly from where that produce is grown here in the North, then there is clearly a missed opportunity for our businesses, our producers, and our community.”

Mr Hinsch said the widening of the port’s channel to accommodate larger ships and defence ties bringing Singapore troops to Townsville opened big up opportunities.

“We are looking to big trade opportunities with Singapore. It’s an exciting time but to make all this work we need this assistance,” Mr Hinsch said.

It was also hoped carriers like Singapore Airlines could be attracted to provide freight and passenger services.