The Goondiwindi Regional Council has today (Wednesday 20th December 2017) granted development approval for a proposed beef abattoir which could create up to 336 jobs in the region.
The $85 million project, proposed by Fucheng International Abattoirs, will be located on the outskirts of the south west Queensland town of Goondiwindi.
The site was previously operated as a sheep abattoir and will be converted into a beef facility, with works set to start within 12 months.
Details of the project were released by Fairfax Media last week ahead of today’s council vote. View our previous story here.
The abattoir is expected to provide direct employment for 336 full-time workers, and will become the largest single employer in the Goondiwindi region once fully operational.
Premise Agriculture was responsible for managing the development application process.
Premise Technical Operations Manager, Dr Margaret Jewell, said the proposed abattoir has been welcomed by Goondiwindi residents.
“The development application process included extensive consultation with local employment agencies and community groups, who see the value in a project of this scale,” Dr Jewell said.
“The proposed development site formerly operated as a sheep abattoir, and will have both historical and economic significance for the surrounding region.”
In December 2016, the Goondiwindi abattoir was identified as a project of regional significance by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
This enabled the abattoir to establish improved water security by accessing state reserves.
Matt Norton, Senior Agricultural Scientist from Premise Agriculture, said construction work on the abattoir is likely to commence within the next 12 months.
“A local Queensland based supplier has been acquired to design the abattoir and supervise construction works,” Mr Norton said.
Development approval for the Goondiwindi abattoir will be subject to conditions.
Originally published by Queensland Country Life.