$50m Scenic Rim food-precinct proposal open for public comment

A proposal to create a $50 million job boosting agricultural industrial precinct integrating fresh food production and manufacturing in southeast Queensland’s Scenic Rim is open for public comment.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament her government was progressing approvals for Kalfresh to develop a 40 hectare, 16-lot $50 million integrated agricultural industrial processing plant which includes a waste to energy facility adjacent to their existing operations at Kalbar.

“A strong agricultural sector is crucial to a strong Queensland economy,” the Premier said.

“As we focus on our COVID-19 economic recovery - our mining and agricultural sectors are acting as stabilisers for Queensland’s economy and for the nation.

“This project will further support local farming by providing a precinct for agricultural processing, packaging and distribution in the heart of one of Queensland’s major food production areas.

“The proponent estimates the initial stages of the project would create 126 direct full-time equivalent jobs during the two-year construction period and 60 full-time equivalent jobs during operations.”

Queensland’s Coordinator-General has now released a draft Impact Assessment Report (IAR) for the proposed Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct for comment.

Minister for State Development Kate Jones said the draft IAR has been prepared by family-owned Scenic Rim vegetable production company Kalfresh as part of their vision to create a regionally based hub for fresh-food production.

“There are also plans for the precinct to generate its own power by establishing a renewable energy facility on site that would use an anaerobic-digester to produce gas for electricity,” Ms Jones said.

“Kalfresh plans an initial $50 million investment, including site development and establishment of the renewable energy facility. “There’s also potential for the precinct to attract further capital investment for additional food production and manufacturing facilities.”

Ms Jones said the Coordinator-General in May 2019 declared the project a coordinated project to facilitate a thorough review and evaluation process.

“As part of this process, Kalfresh has prepared the draft IAR which is now open for comment,” Ms Jones said.

“Queensland’s Coordinator-General has invited the public and all stakeholders to have their say on the draft IAR and the potential impacts of the project.

“The submission period runs from 16 May 2020 until 5pm, Friday 26 June 2020.

“Kalfresh has provided a commitment to engage with stakeholders during the draft IAR public comment period. Given social distancing requirements in place due to the COVID-19 response, this is planned to include online community information sessions.

“The Coordinator-General will consider submissions made when finalising the evaluation of the project.” Find out more about the proposed Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct.

ENDS

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447