Woolworths launches Heathwood Distribution Centre

Woolworths has opened its new $184 million Heathwood Distribution Centre (DC), 20km south west of Brisbane’s CBD, which is also targeting a 5 Green Star certification for sustainability.

If successful, the 42,000 sqm temperature-controlled facility will be Woolworth Group’s first 5 Green Star certified DC in Queensland.

The building, which spans up to three Suncorp Stadium playing fields, will help workers to more quickly deliver chilled and frozen goods to 280 Queensland and northern NSW Woolworths stores.

The facility has been partly operational since December 2021 to support Woolworths Group’s network in the lead up to Christmas.

Since then, it has created more than 200 local jobs during construction and around 300 ongoing jobs for Queenslanders.

“The importance of a strong, responsive and resilient supply chain has come into sharp focus during the pandemic and the most recent extreme weather events,” said Brad Banducci, CEO at Woolworths Group.

“As well as strengthening our network capability, this new state-of-the-art facility is an important part of our ongoing commitment to investing in Brisbane – and across broader Queensland – to support jobs growth and help us deliver high-quality products to our customers fresher, faster and more efficiently than ever before,” Banducci said.

Woolworths said that the Heathwood DC at its full capacity will distribute in excess of a million cartons of chilled, frozen and fresh meat per week.

With the co-location and connection via an automated air bridge of Woolworths’ meat supplier Hilton Foods Australia, approximately 390 truck movements will be removed from Brisbane roads each week by consolidating delivery loads to stores.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said private sector investment in new infrastructure and jobs was crucial to rebuilding Queensland’s economy in the wake of COVID-19.

“Throughout the pandemic and again, during severe weather events this year, Queenslanders have gained a great appreciation for the important role distribution centres play in their lives,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“This centre will not only create local jobs – it will grow the supply chain here in the southeast and help to ensure that Queenslanders always have access to food and other essentials,” the Premier said.

She continued that at $184 million and three times the size of Suncorp Stadium, the facility is no small investment.

“Having the Woolworths group choose Heathwood as the location for this brand new hub is a vote of confidence in our community and a sign that Queensland’s economy is roaring back to life,” she said.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the Heathwood DC’s build. 4000 solar panels will provide 100 per cent power for the site during peak periods, and a discharge rainwater tank will be able to capture 3 million litres of rainwater and gentle runoff.

The site also features grassed areas across the grounds and provision for electric cars and trucks.

To support the local ecosystem, Woolworths said that it and long term development partner LOGOS are installing native bee colonies on-site, which will be located on the border of neighbouring bushland.

“LOGOS is very proud to have partnered with Woolworths to deliver this state-of-the-art facility and we look forward to continuing to support their growth across the country,” said Darren Searle, Head of Australia & New Zealand at LOGOS.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also praised the opening of the state-of-the-art DC.

“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and the ideal location for a world-class food distribution hub servicing South East Queensland,” Schrinner said.

“Brisbane Economic Development Agency worked with Woolworths Group to accelerate the centre’s opening, which opened more doors of opportunity for our local economy,” he said.

“This hub creates jobs, delivers a secure food supply chain and opens up supplier opportunities, which is a huge vote of confidence in Brisbane’s future.”

In October 2020, Woolworths Group unveiled a $12m upgrade of its Townsville Regional DC – more than doubling its original footprint. It also operates the 92,000 sqm Brisbane Regional Distribution Centre at Larapinta to sort and deliver fresh and ambient goods to stores across the state.