Airport’s plan to take off to new export heights
A global export hub servicing the region’s agribusinesses and METS sectors could drive Mackay into the future.
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A THRIVING global export hub servicing the region's agribusinesses and METS sectors could drive Mackay into the future.
The plan to develop the Global Export Centre at Mackay Airport is the subject of a series of workshops and presentations this week.
A statement from Mackay Airport said it was in discussions with a number of stakeholders to better understand the viability and function of the possible freight hub that would give businesses an opportunity to look at potential export markets.
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Mackay Airport's manager of commercial and terminals Adrian Miles said some sectors wanted to grow their export footprints.
"Growing demand for quality food being harvested one day and available to global buyers and markets the next will play a key role in the future of airfreight," he said.
"We've got a number of advantages as a regional export centre over capital city airports and we're located where the produce comes from -you can harvest one day and have it on the plane on the same day.
"A precinct at the airport offers a speedier transit system and potential for freight innovation in our region."
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Earlier this year Mackay Airport identified the opportunity for a freight precinct during the submission process for its expansion project the Milton Precinct.
With counties like Singapore and Japan importing more than 50 per cent of their fresh food, there is a high demand for exported product.
Mr Miles said potential export businesses were invited to help develop a realistic understanding of what the hub could offer.
"Rising environmental awareness and the need for a speedier transit system for producers across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region are a vital part of this puzzle," he said.
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