- Will primarily export premium goods
- 4,000 sqm in gross floor area
- Will be owned and operated by Wagner Corporation
Construction is underway on the new Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre (RTDC) located at the regional city’s airport with completion on course for this year.
The Queensland Government has committed to investing $10 million to support this regional trading hub.
The RTDC will allow airfreight access for agriculture in the Toowoomba and surrounding Darling Downs region, opening up international markets for graziers and growers.
The project currently employs 170 full-time workers with more expected to be created along the supply chain once the facility is operational.
Exports from the facility will include premium goods such as beef, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetable, pork and packaged nuts.
Steven Miles, Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, said the project is a boost for local businesses in Toowoomba.
“This is part of our Government’s economic recovery plan, supporting projects that create jobs and support trade and our key industries like agriculture,” said Mr Miles.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Investment, Cameron Dick, said Hutchinson Builders has been appointed by Wagner Corporation to manage the building project.
“Early bulk earthworks were completed by Wagner Corporation in late 2020, allowing Hutchinson to quickly commence and progress construction of this exciting project,” Mr Dick said.
“It is hoped that the final slab pour will be completed by the end of February enabling construction works to take off and the facility to be operational by the end of 2021.”
Mr Dick emphasised the importance of exports to the Queensland economy, noting one in five jobs in the state are supported by exports.
“Once completed, the facility will deliver over 4,000 square metres in gross floor area comprising of 1,500 square metres of state-of-the-art refrigerated storage, freezer rooms and temperature-controlled transit areas as well as large ambient transit and covered external storage areas,” said Mr Dick.
“This expansion of Wellcamp’s cold storage capability will give our world-leading primary producers and exporters an edge by increasing product shelf life and getting products back into international markets that just can’t get enough of Queensland’s high-quality food, fibre and manufactured products.”
John Wagner, the Chairman of Wagner Corporation, who also own the adjacent Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, said the company was proud to be working with the Queensland Government on this project.
“We are pleased to be able to progress works on this project so quickly to help our producers and suppliers get back on their feet after COVID-19 disruptions in 2020.”
