5 May 2022
The Liberal Nationals Government has invested $4.97 million in the future of the Southern Downs with today’s opening of John Dee’s Regional Cold Store facility in Warwick.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the funding, delivered under Round 1 of the highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), is delivering the services and infrastructure the community deserves.
“We are backing these projects so local people have the facilities for the future, while creating jobs to boost our economic recovery,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This expansion not only protected the 630 existing jobs, but it also created 143 new full-time jobs and 138 indirect new full-time jobs.”
Mr Littleproud said the Regional Cold Store facility was pivotal to overcoming current processing capacity restraints in the region's beef supply chain.
“Expansion at the plant will boost throughput by 50,000 head annually, capitalising on export market opportunities valued at about $111 million - to produce premium, branded beef products.
“What this project really boils down to is creating employment opportunities, providing incentives for people to move into our community and making sure that businesses in the Southern Downs continue to grow with cutting-edge technology.
“Making the right infrastructure investments, like the John Dee Regional Cold Store Facility, grows local economies and that’s something I proudly stand for because it ensures we get our fair share.”
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Cr Vic Pennisi said he was pleased that the region had been the focus of significant government and commercial investment in recent years.
“The John Dee expansion project highlights the positive outcomes that can be achieved working in partnership with the Federal and State Governments and industry heavy-weights,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“It’s great to see this partnership deliver nation-building infrastructure that delivers food security for our country, provides clean fresh safe food to the world and secures local jobs that keeps our economy strong.
“It is a great credit to the Hart family, who have invested so much in the region and have the confidence and foresight to continue to invest in our future.
“Improving critical infrastructure for the region’s beef cattle supply chain is a positive development for our region and vital to supporting one of our biggest industries – agriculture.
“I would like to congratulate the Federal Government for being bold enough to invest in our local businesses and the Hart family for having the courage and confidence to invest during very difficult times.”
The Liberal National Government has supported nearly 1,300 projects across regional Australia through the $1.38 billion committed in Rounds 1 to 5 of the BBRF.
Last edited date 15 Mar 2023