Strong interest for export centre

TOWNSVILLE is being pitched as the export hub for more than $ 1 billion worth of agricultural goods in a submission to the State Government but the city is facing fierce competition from other regions.

Townsville logistics and storage business Harbourside Coldstores is the lead proponent in a consortium backed by Townsville Airport, Port of Townsville and Townsville Enterprise to develop a Regional Export Distribution Centre.

The State Government said it had received 10 expressions of interest for $ 10 million in funding in its Regional Export Distribution Centre project.

The expressions had come from centres including Cairns, Toowoomba, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and the Whitsundays.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said his department would now consider the expressions of interest.

“The Regional Export Distribution Centre will create regional jobs and enhance productivity, capitalising on our global reputation as a leader in the production and processing of quality agricultural produce,” Mr Dick said.

“A number of regions and businesses have put their best case forward for this centre because they know the economic value of a project like this for their community.”

An announcement is expected in December of one or more successful proponents to develop a business case for a Regional Export Distribution Centre. An announcement on the successful applicant to receive funding to construct the centre will occur in 2019.