Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General has approved the development application for a $308 million project that will deliver 308 construction and 335 operational jobs in the state.
The project, to be built by the Asia Pacific Agri-corp in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA), involves the construction of a high-tech abattoir powered by renewables which will be capable of processing 2,400 head of cattle per day ready to cater for growing demand for Australian beef.
The abattoir, processing, packing and export facility will incorporate the latest and most advanced technologies used in meat processing plants, including robotic systems, which will enable the company to adopt an innovative paddock to market supply chain arrangements, sourcing cattle directly from farmers and tracing product to the market.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the development approval also provides for 95 hectares of solar panels, capable of generating 78 MW of electricity or almost one third of the sites total electricity needs.
“A further energy efficiency measure includes the development of an on-site 33MW hydrogen plant to service the abattoir’s boiler,” the Minister added.
Asia Pacific Agri-Corp, which was required to satisfy 29 strict conditions on the project ensuring adverse emissions, such as noise, dust and odour will not affect residents, will next undertake detailed design prior to starting construction.
According to Minister Dick, construction is expected to commence around May 2019, with the project to be operational by 2021.
“Some secondary approvals are required for the project to commence, including approval for operational works by Gladstone Regional Council and Environmental Authority permits from the Department of Environment and Science for the meat processing and irrigation activities onsite,” he concluded.
