What Toowoomba residents have to say about medicinal cannabis farm

The company behind a massive medicinal cannabis farm proposed outside Toowoomba is hoping to break ground next month, but city residents are divided on the project

A 3D rendering of part of the proposed Asterion cannabis farm in Toowoomba.

GROUND could be broken on a $311m medicinal cannabis farm in Toowoomba within weeks, but city residents remain divided on whether the project will be best for the region.

Canada-based business Asterion Cannabis is hoping to start construction by August on the new 40-hectare farm near the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport after securing $30m in equity.

Readers of The Chronicle were asked whether they supported the project, and the overall concept of a cannabis farm, in an open poll on social media. Their responses were mixed.

Rai Akers said while she supported the project, there would undeniably be people who fought back against it.

“A shame the naysayers are hell bent on showing everyone they don’t have a clue about the industry compared to the illegal trade, she said.

Lilas Fegan and Jail Stallan questioned whether the products would stay in the country.

Asterion chairman and CEO Stephen Van Deventer said the project would generate $85m in revenue in its first year.