Regional Recovery Partnerships: The three new projects set to boost jobs in Mackay Whitsunday

A $10m funding injection for the new projects is set to drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19.

Three new major projects in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday set to boost jobs and the economy have been revealed.

The federal government will announce on Wednesday a $10m funding injection in three new projects under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program to drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19.

These projects include an upgrade of the Biocommodities Pilot Plant in Mackay, a new Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub for the Whitsunday region and delivery of stage 2 of the Clermont Saleyards and Showgrounds Revitalisation.

The federal and Queensland governments have identified these projects as high priority.

Dawson MP George Christensen said the Whitsunday-based Tech Skills Hub would deliver ag-tech programs and training to boost the sugar cane, beef, aquaculture and horticulture industries.

“The $1.5m contribution to the hub will connect local SMEs, industry and researchers to regional producers and processors to help increase the rate of technology adoption to boost on-farm productivity and workforce capability,” Mr Christensen said.

Dawson MP George Christensen. Picture: Matt Taylor

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said the upgrade to the Mackay Biocommodities Pilot Plant would support the Queensland University of Technology’s development of regional bio‑manufacturing industries in synthetic biology, green chemicals and future foods.

“A $5.2m contribution to upgrade the 10-year-old Biocommodities Pilot Plant, owned and operated by QUT, will enhance the region’s capability in biomass processing, fermentation, separation and product development technologies,” Ms Landry said.

Mr Christensen said it would boost the region’s agricultural productivity and sustainability, attract investors to the region and grow local business opportunities.

The $3.2m Clermont showgrounds revitalisation project would deliver improved infrastructure and technology upgrades including a new entrance and carparking to improve cattle movements, new spelling yards to bolster saleyard efficiencies, replacing the ageing rodeo ring and refurbishing the show pavilion.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance chief executive Kylie Porter welcomed the Regional Recovery Partnerships funding.

“This commitment is an investment in the future of Mackay Isaac Whitsunday agriculture,” she said.

“It focuses on supporting the strong beef industry, growing our value-adding opportunities and enhancing our region’s skills and technology adoption to support the future growth of regional agriculture.”

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry has delivered $3.2 million in federal funding to support the redevelopment of the Clermont Saleyards and Showgrounds, to increase the capacity of the facility and to service the sales demands of the Central Queensland region.

Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday was one of 10 priority regions across Australia eligible for funding under the federal government’s commitment of $100m over two years to fund Regional Recovery Partnerships.

The partnerships co-ordinate investments with other levels of government to deliver jobs, economic recovery and economic diversification.

Subscriber benefits:

How to activate your free Courier-Mail subscription

How to get Daily Mercury news straight to your inbox

Your dose of Harry Bruce cartoons

Originally published as Regional Recovery Partnerships: The three new projects set to boost jobs in Mackay Whitsunday