Saratoga Holdings applies to Bundaberg council for new shed

The world’s largest macadamia farm is looking to expand their presence in the Bundaberg region with a new packing shed after recent court controversy surrounding worker care.

The world’s largest macadamia supplier Saratoga Holdings is set to expand its presence in Bundaberg with the building of a new packing shed on Foleys Road.

Initial stages of the development have been approved by the Bundaberg council for the company to build the packing shed.

This expansion comes after multiple breaches of workplace health and safety duties that resulted in several injuries and Saratoga Holdings receiving a $410,000 fine for their negligence.

Plans for the new packing shed will include Colourbond finishes on walls and the roof that match the surrounding rural area.

The site will process up to 3000 tonnes a year of macadamias on a purposely-built machine.

“The facility would assist with sorting and processing product on the subject site and from other farms in the locality,” the application reads

No cracking will be happening at the facility, with the macadamias to remain in their shells for further processing down the line.

Insight SJC has been awarded the contract and while the development application lists the employment opportunities that will arise from the development multiple times, the site is only anticipated to employ two staff.

“The project would provide significant opportunities to continue to build strong local grower supply arrangements which would have a positive downstream impact on employment and contribute to a diverse regional and rural economy,” said the application.

The facility is set to operate in line with the macadamia nut season with peak operation between March and August annually.

The shed is set to be built away from the road to minimise noise pollution.

Originally published as Saratoga Holdings applies to Bundaberg council for new shed