Hub to explore export
Federal funding will help position Toowoomba as major centre
Photo: Kevin Farmer
FEDERAL Government funding of $840,000 to establish the Southern Queensland Innovation in Export Hub in Toowoomba will generate at least two jobs and help 60 businesses tap into overseas markets.
The hub, run through Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, will develop small to medium enterprises in the food and agribusiness sector, as well as oil and gas resources industry, export both product and technology innovations.
Federal Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the hub, one of the first to be announced, would boost regional economies.
“Small and medium enterprises need a lot of support if they are to be able to develop their markets, particularly markets overseas,” she said.
TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said the hub, based on Ann St, would position Toowoomba as a major export area.
The funding would secure more resources and staff, particularly with oil and gas industry expertise.
Jim’s Jerky CEO Emily Pullen said having ready access to staff with export experience would help her family-owned business tap into new markets.
“It will mean we can actually start taking strides towards taking Australian beef to the world, but in a different format as snacking,” she said.
Groom MP John McVeigh said the food and agribusiness sector, and oil and gas resources industry, were hallmarks of the region’s economy, and expanding its potential for exports would benefit the Darling Downs.