Queensland exporters are in for a whole new level of access to international markets, with the official opening of Wagner Corporation’s $17.8 million Regional Trade Distribution Centre (RTDC) at Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba.
Co-funded by the Queensland Government, the new facility is set to supercharge airfreight access for agricultural producers in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the distribution centre will open up international markets for graziers and growers, making it easier to export the state’s produce.
“The RTDC is streamlining the paddock-to-freight process for graziers and growers throughout the Toowoomba and Downs regions,” the Deputy Premier said.
“Premium Queensland fresh food such as beef, fruit and vegetables can now be airfreighted into markets all over the world, faster and fresher than ever before,” he said.
The export hub delivers over 4,000 square metres in gross floor area, including state-of-the-art refrigerated storage, freezer rooms and temperature-controlled transit areas, as well as large ambient transit and covered external storage areas.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the government was proud to have nurtured this project through a $10 million investment.
“We’re driving the next phase of economic growth by unlocking private sector investment, which is the critical element to job creation in the Queensland economy,” the Treasurer said.
“Queensland exports support 20 per cent of Queensland jobs and 25 per cent of regional jobs,” he said.
He continued that QLD’s overseas exports of goods and services are forecast to rebound by 9.75 per cent in 2021-22
Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner said the he was proud to have worked with the Queensland Government on a world-class facility growing Queensland exports and jobs.
“The RTDC adds a new dimension to Wellcamp’s existing international freight operations and will bring enormous benefits to local producers and businesses,” Wagner said.
He also said the project supported 170 jobs during construction and will support ongoing operational jobs, both at the facility and throughout the supply chain.
The Toowoomba Wellcamp is regional Queensland’s largest fresh food exporting hub. It is the first of two Queensland RTDCs, with another under development at the Cairns International Airport.