Game on as quail project soars

A Brisbane Valley farming business is spreading its wings with the opening of a $2 million quail-processing plant that will service a growing Asia-Pacific market while serving up local jobs and community benefits.

Speaking at today’s opening, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick congratulated fourth-generation farming family, siblings Duncan Brown and Selena Gomersell, for their vision in progressing the Brisbane Valley Protein Precinct (BVPP) at Coominya, near Lake Wivenhoe.

“Expanding the existing direct paddock-to-plate beef operations by diversifying into poultry meat and game birds will be a win for local workers and supply chain opportunities,” he said.

“Brisbane Valley Protein has set its sights on being a leader in servicing the growing Asian middle-class and Pacific markets, as well as domestic outlets, and this is a step forward in that direction.”

The quail abattoir is the first stage of the protein precinct master plan which will be completed in four stages. The production and processing will make up stages 1, 2 and 3, and stage 4 will deliver training, research and hospitality facilities.

The expected capital expenditure to complete stages 1 and 2 is around $18 million.

“To date, 12 jobs have been created, and the completion of the master plan will support around 300 direct local jobs in the production and processing operations, while the extensive supply chain needs could also see more than 500 jobs being supported,” Mr Dick said.

“This is particularly great news as we know the closure of the Baiada poultry plant in Ipswich hurt a number of poultry grower contracts, and BVPP has engaged one of those operators to grow the current batch of quail.

“I also welcome the commitment to a local buy program which could have significant flow-on benefits for the area.”

Mr Dick said the SEQ West Regional Office of his department had been closely involved by supporting BVPP to navigate the regulatory requirements from concept in 2013 to the completion of Stage 1.

“This is a great example of the private sector working with government to create jobs and economic development in Queensland,” he said.

Duncan and Selena have partnered with a South African-based investment house SAFIKA Holding to deliver the project.

Managing Director Duncan Brown said the venture would put the Brisbane Valley on the world gourmet map.

“Brisbane Valley Protein has established hatching, growing and processing infrastructure, with the processing plant being the first export-orientated quail abattoir in Queensland, and we are very excited by this venture,” he said.

“Already it is providing employment for locals but it means the Brisbane Valley name will be gracing the menus of some of the top nations in the world.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039