Cairns export hub: New life breathed into stalled airport trade centre

A lucrative contract to build a new $10m facility critical to the Far North’s economic recovery is finally up for grabs. HAVE YOUR SAY

A LUCRATIVE contract to build a new $10m regional export hub in the Far North is finally up for grabs.

Queensland deputy premier Steven Miles said tenders would soon be called to construct the pivotal Cairns Airport project expected to “supercharge” rapid airfreight access for agricultural producers and aid the Far North’s economic recovery.

Progress on the new hub had ground to a halt after first being promised in 2019, with treasurer Cameron Dick hoping the project could be a catalyst for a resurgence in export from FNQ.

Concept drawing for a $10 million export hub to be built at the Cairns Airport. Picture: Supplied

“This will be a great asset for Cairns and a welcome boost for our regional producers to more easily access key international markets, especially those in Asia,” he said.

“(It) gives our farmers, graziers, growers and other producers and processors the best possible opportunity to get their products from paddock to plane to plate as quickly as possible.”

The Cairns hub will be the second export-focused centre in the state with the Wellcamp Airport facility near Toowomba opening in July.

More than 30 on-site jobs will be created during construction, with further positions to be announced once the facility is up and running.

Cairns MP Michael Healy said the service would allow further economic diversification for the Far North.

It also comes at a time with growing international demand for Far North seafood, tropical fruit, vegetables and nuts, and high-quality beef and dairy products.

ISP Fish Market workers Niggins William and Makoto Chiba will benefit from a planned $10 million export hub, with deafood demand hot overseas. Picture: Chris Calcino

“This essential piece of infrastructure will contribute to the growth in our agricultural exports while creating jobs and ensuring another stream of revenue for airlines,” he said.

“This facility opens significant opportunities for our city and region”.

Cairns International Airport CEO Richard Barker said the hub would add huge value to the freight network once operational.

“We believe there is a lot of potential to increase freight exports as a result of this facility, which will benefit the local economy and help with the rebuilding of international aviation,” he said.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Regional Trade Distribution Centre export facility at Cairns Airport. Picture: Supplied

Mr Miles said the “strong health response” to the global pandemic and positive economic forecasts had allowed the Cairns project to kick off.

“We know that global appetites for Queensland’s world-class produce is growing, and this centre will make it much easier for our producers to export their produce faster and fresher,” he said.

“It will give Queensland producers easier access to export markets and that means more jobs for Queenslanders.”

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Originally published as Cairns export hub: New life breathed into stalled airport trade centre