Mackay’s future economy set to dine out on Future Foods

A world-leading Future Foods BioHub in Mackay is a step closer with the Palaszczuk Government partnering with Cauldron, Asia-Pacific’s first large-scale precision fermentation manufacturing launchpad, to develop a business case.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said a future contract manufacturing facility will generate local jobs and play an important role in meeting global demand for food.

“The proposed fermented Future Foods contract manufacturing facility will provide the large-scale fermentation capacity needed by Future Foods fermentation companies to produce their products at scale,” Mr Miles said.

“We made a commitment at the last election to deliver a business case for a BioHub in the Mackay region.

“We are delivering on that commitment by funding up to $528,000 and partnering with Cauldron to get it done.

“The proposed $300 million facility will provide the anchor infrastructure Queensland needs to catalyse a new commercial-scale industry, complement the region’s agricultural and manufacturing strengths, protect existing jobs in the sugar industry, diversify the local economy and create new local jobs.

“Queensland can be at the centre of meeting the global demand for food with our strong animal agriculture industries and the natural resources, talented workforce and government commitment to growing the Biofutures industry, which includes Future Foods.

“Nationally, CSIRO estimates the fermented Future Foods industry could produce close to $1.1 billion worth of retail products and up to 2,020 jobs by 2030.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Government was prioritising creating a Future Foods BioHub in Mackay.

“Locally, the industry, including the Greater Whitsunday Alliance, have a long-term vision to manufacture bioproducts using the region’s unique strengths, such as its ample biomass feedstock and transport networks and port,” Ms Gilbert said.

“With a Future Foods BioHub that enables this growth and supports the local vision, the Palaszczuk Government and Cauldron are looking to capture these benefits for Queensland.”

Cauldron Founder and CEO Michelle Stansfield said she looked forward to working with the Queensland Government.

“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a regional powerhouse in precision fermentation and unlock future breakthroughs in science, technology, and medicine, in combination,” Ms Stansfield said.

“Working hand in hand with regions like Mackay, we will be able to create new jobs and unlock future opportunities to create more food, fibre and feed for the world.

“We commend the Queensland Government for its commitment to help plan the future of our regional jobs, resources and capabilities.”

This partnership further cements the delivery of the Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Biofutures Roadmap and Action Plan. To read more, visit: Biofutures | State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning

ENDS

Media contact:  Katharine Wright - 0422 580 342