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Construction has begun on The Cairns Regional Trade Distribution Centre, almost two years after initially scheduled.
Cairns was selected in 2019 as one of two regional sites to receive $10-million in State Government funding for agricultural trade distribution hubs.
The second facility at Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba was completed in July last year.
Delays in Cairns have been blamed on the operator, Air Freight Handling Services (AFHS), experiencing business disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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AFHS Managing Director Barb Ford says the company is now looking forward to moving quickly.
“Hansen Yuncken will start construction immediately, with the build expected to take approximately nine months,” she said.
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The 2400-square-metre facility will house large cold and freezer rooms, temperature-controlled spaces and ambient transit areas.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick was on site to turn the first sod.
“Building this centre in the Cairns International Airport freight precinct will guarantee seamless distribution of our premium local produce to international markets,” he said.
“Queensland’s agricultural exports were valued at $13 billion for 2021, a 28 per cent increase from 2020, and this centre will push those numbers even higher in the years ahead.”
30 jobs are being created in the construction phase, while AFHS will hire nine new employees once the facility is operational.
The centre is also expected to help international aviation rebound by increasing the prospect of more freight flights.
“We know the world loves Far North Queensland flavours, and this will get our products overseas faster and fresher,” said Cairns MP Michael Healy.
“Whether it’s seafood or beef, fruit and vegetables, nuts or dairy, we farm and produce some of the best on offer.
“With the Cairns Regional Trade Distribution Centre, we have a huge opportunity to further increase our reach towards lucrative markets.”
The hub is expected to open by the end of 2022.
Main points
- Construction on the Cairns export hub was delayed by almost two years
- It's now scheduled to be operational by the end of 2022
- The facility will improve freight and market access for agricultural and aquacultural produce
