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New Toowoomba Wellcamp RTDC streamlines paddock-to-freight process

Toowoomba Wellcamp

The $17.8 million Toowoomba Wellcamp Regional Trade Distribution Centre (RTDC) has officially opened, which will provide Queensland’s primary regional producers with access to key international markets. 

“The RTDC is streamlining the paddock-to-freight process for graziers and growers throughout the Toowoomba and Downs regions,” Queensland deputy premier and minister for State Development Steven Miles said. 

“Premium Queensland fresh food such as beef, fruit and vegetables can now be airfreighted into markets all over the world, faster and fresher than ever before. 

“This project has already delivered a fantastic boost for the local businesses in Toowoomba, having supported 170 workers during construction, with more jobs to be created at the facility and throughout the supply chain.” 

Strengthening regional businesses is a key element of the Queensland government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. 

“The Palaszczuk government is proud to have nurtured this project through a $10 million investment as part of the $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund,” treasurer and minister for Investment Cameron Dick said. 

“We’re driving the next phase of economic growth by unlocking private sector investment, which is the critical element to job creation in the Queensland economy. 

“Queensland exports support 20 per cent of Queensland jobs and 25 per cent of regional jobs. Queensland’s overseas exports of goods and services are forecast to rebound by 9.75 per cent in 2021-22.” 

Wagner Corporation, a Queensland property developer, constructed the Regional Trade Distribution Centre at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. The company is proud to have collaborated with the state government to grow exports and jobs in the region, Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said. 

“The RTDC adds a new dimension to Wellcamp’s existing international freight operations and will bring enormous benefits to local producers and businesses,” Wagner said. 

“The RTDC is regional Queensland’s largest fresh food exporting hub with a gross floor area of 4,000 square metres. Included is 1,500 square metres of state-of-the-art refrigerated storage, freezer rooms and temperature-controlled transit areas, as well as large transit and covered external storage areas. 

“The project supported 170 jobs during construction and will support ongoing operational jobs, both at the facility and throughout the supply chain.” 

Toowoomba Wellcamp is the first of two Queensland RTDCs, with another under development at the Cairns International Airport. 

The Toowoomba Wellcamp Regional Trade Distribution Centre is one of many projects the Queensland government is focused on. It also aims to grow more jobs on the Darling Downs. 

“Our Darling Downs Budget Regional Action Plan, released with last month’s budget as part of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, outlines the crucial investments our government is making in infrastructure, frontline services, health, education, employment and the environment,” Dick said. 

“We’ve allocated billions for the region this year to grow jobs and industry, and to help businesses as they continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19. 

“The budget roadshow that’s underway now allows our government to talk directly with Queenslanders about what’s in the budget for them, their community and how they’ll benefit from the investments we’re making. 

“We’ve got our unemployment rate down to 5.1 per cent, its lowest level in 12 years, and the Darling Downs Regional Action Plan is another integral piece of our strategy to keep Queensland moving forward.” 

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