Valley food businesses show big growth spurt

BUSINESS is booming in the Lockyer Valley. The region has seen more than 120 new ABNs registered in the first two months of this year alone.

Mayor Steve Jones

BUSINESS is booming in the Lockyer Valley.

The region has seen more than 120 new ABNs registered in the first two months of this year alone.

Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones said many of the businesses were in the food industry, and represented a huge vote of confidence in the region's economy.

"To have so many people wanting to do business in the Lockyer Valley really underlines the faith people have in this place," he said.

"The Lockyer Valley is home to some of Australia's top producers and our location on the Warrego Highway provides businesses with further opportunities into the Toowoomba, Brisbane and Gold Coast markets."

Cr Jones said that over the past five years, the population of the Lockyer Valley region had grown at an average annual rate of 2.2% and was expected to increase by more than 27,000 by the year 2031.

"With this growth comes opportunity and I believe this is a large reason why we are witnessing so many new ventures," he said.

"Some of these include the Lockyer Valley Sports and Aquatic Centre, the Laidley Multipurpose Sporting Facility and the solar photovoltaic research facility at UQ Gatton.

"These projects combined make up in excess of $50 million being spent in this region, in addition to the large amount which will be spent on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

"Projects like these are obviously being witnessed by people outside of the region and that is why we are seeing so much interest in the Lockyer Valley right now.

"It's an exciting time for this region. The Lockyer Valley Regional Council will continue to work with the community to create a better future for our residents."

Originally published as Valley food businesses show big growth spurt