Agricultural hub to boost North Queensland’s economy

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Image credit: flickr User: RaeAllen

The integrated agricultural project which was declared for North Queensland last month by the Coordinator General is aimed at creating an extensive agricultural hub to boost North Queensland’s economy.

Image credit: flickr User: RaeAllen
Image credit: flickr User: RaeAllen

The proposal includes a 240,000 ha beef cattle operation, 65,000 ha of cropping land, 18,000 ha for water storage, and 2,000 ha of infrastructure.

According to the media statement issued by Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney, the Etheridge Integrated Agricultural Project is proposed for 326,000 ha of land west of Georgetown in the Etheridge Shire Council area.

“Integrated Food and Energy Developments Pty Ltd propose to create an extensive agricultural hub producing sugar and guar beans for Asian markets,” Mr Seeney said.

“The proponents also have longer term plans to include a sugar mill, meat processing plant, aquaculture operation and alternative energy facilities in their project. Should it proceed, this project would provide a boost to the North Queensland economy that has been hit hard in recent times by the live cattle export ban and drought.”

Adertisement

The project further features a constructed lake, overland gravity channels to support trickle tape irrigation, accommodation, including temporary construction camps, seasonal village and permanent residential developments, as well as the installation and operation of a temporary on-site pipe manufacturing facility available during the construction phase.

“The State Government welcomes privately funded projects that have the potential to create jobs and positive economic outcomes, and this proposal supports our vision to grow the agricultural pillar of the economy. This ambitious proposal will now be thoroughly assessed by the Coordinator General with draft terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Statement to be released for public comment from January 11,” Mr Seeney said.

Project information is available at http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/assessments-and-approvals/etheridge-integrated-agricultural-project.html