High-tech abattoir powered by renewable energy to deliver Gladstone jobs

FAST FACTS –

• A high-tech abattoir in Gladstone is set to deliver 308 construction and 335 operational jobs after Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General approved the development application for Asia Pacific Agri-Corp’s $308 million project.
• The project will be built by Asia Pacific Agri-Corp in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA) off Mount Larcom Road. It will be the first of its kind in Australia.
• Once operational the facility will be able to process 2400 head of cattle per day.
• Development approval also provides for 95 hectares of solar panels capable of providing almost one-third of the sites total electricity needs.
• A further energy efficiency measure includes the development of an on-site 33MW hydrogen plant to service the abattoir’s boiler.
• The development will provide massive job increases for labourers in the Gladstone region by providing employment to dozens of non-trade occupations such as cattle workers, forklift drivers, and other processing workers.
• The development will also provide jobs for administrative workers and will offer export trade employment and training.
• Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General has placed 29 strict conditions on the project ensuring adverse emissions, such as noise, dust and odour will not affect residents.
• Earlier this year the Coordinator-General conducted community consultation on the proposed project that was fully supported by the Gladstone Regional Council.
• The heritage listed 98 year old homestead located on the site will be renovated and restored to its former glory and will house the administration offices for the facility.
• The facility will be located out of sight from the Mt Larcom Road.

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