Construction to start on long-awaited milk factory in Wellcamp after approval extension submitted to Toowoomba Regional Council
The developer behind a new milk factory in Toowoomba’s burgeoning industrial zone looks set to start construction in early 2021.
Development
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Toowoomba Premium Milk Pty Ltd was approved by the council back in February 2017 for a massive cutting-edge facility at the Wellcamp Business Park, just 700m from the airstrip of Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
The project, which has a first stage worth more than $50 million according to ownership, has been teasing a construction start for several years.
Now the developer has submitted an extension request on the approval period, which was due to lapse early next year.
According to the cover letter by Precinct Urban Planning, attached to the submission, the applicant delayed the project due to tough economic circumstances but is now ready to start.
“Prevailing economic conditions have precluded the commercially viable development of the approved project for an extended period,” the letter said.
“In particular, this has related to the sourcing of finance and finalisation of end supplier agreements.
“The applicant has re-evaluated their development options and has decided to proceed with the development based on an improved economic conditions and market confidence.
“The applicant has confirmed that potential detailed design and construction time frames have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the applicants’ ability to engage suitable building and production process designers, and to engage builders and consultants required to undertake the approved construction of the development.”
It is understood Toowoomba Premium Milk has secured finance for stage one and will be able to start construction within the next few months.
Speaking to The Chronicle in 2018, TPM’s executive chairman Steve Laracy said the facility to use the latest technology as part of business plan that will sell directly to Asian markets.
“We’re incorporating leading-edge technology, particularly in the traceability and food security, to get us in front of the curve,” he said.
“Particularly in Asia, there is a demand for the security of traceability in knowing they’re getting the real deal out of Australia.
“The (dairy) industry is catching up but we’re going to be the leading edge.”
It is believed the company will process a variety of milk-based products at the site once fully-constructed, most notably baby formula.
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