Egg-cellent upgrade to cost $45m

❝The economic analysis also says that adds another $82 million a year to the economy in Toowoomba.

— David May

THE massive expansion of a free range egg farm west of Toowoomba will be worth more than $72 million to the region.

That’s according to the CEO of farm owner DA Hall and Co, which successfully negotiated a new infrastructure charges bill with the Toowoomba Regional Council last week.

Once finished, the operation along Western Creek Rd in Turallin, north of Millmerran, will be able to cater for 720,000 birds.

David May, who spoke to the councillors before the decision was made at the special meeting on Wednesday, said the addition of 18 free-range poultry sheds and 27 more staff would be worth millions to the local area.

“The total capital spend on the property will be $45 million upon completion. The council’s economic analysis also says that on top of the $45 million there will be another $72 million in additional benefits to the region,” he said.

“Our total sales and operational will be around $45 million, which is for free range eggs.

“The economic analysis also says that adds another $82 million a year to the economy in Toowoomba.”

Cr Anne Glasheen moved an alternative motion at the meeting to allow DA Hall and Co to pay $250,000 to the council to upgrade the roads around the farm, as well as $286,000 in infrastructure charges.

The expansion is expected to take seven years.