A NEW logistics centre has opened at Cairns Airport.
The 2400-square-metre facility houses large cold and freezer rooms, temperature-controlled spaces and ambient transit areas, with capacity for future expansion.
Operations will enable fresh produce including fish and crustaceans (live and frozen), avocadoes, mangoes, melons, citrus and blueberries to be seamlessly and safely exported to international markets, especially throughout Asia.
According to a statement from the Queensland government, the facility will boost aquacultural and agricultural produce export capacity, generate jobs and improve productivity throughout the industry supply chain.
The Queensland government said it worked closely with Air Freight Handling Services (AFHS) to support development of the Cairns centre.
The state government invested $10 million through the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to build the facility.
It is Queensland’s second state-supported regional export hub, following the completion last year of our trade distribution facility in Toowoomba.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the centre would unlock the economic potential of the “food bowl that is Far North Queensland”.
“The RTDC will become a vital piece of Queensland’s freight and export network, supporting quick response to economic recovery and future growth in international demand for Queensland’s fresh produce,” he said.
“Despite the disruptions of the past few years, in 2021-22 Queensland’s agriculture and food exports were valued at $10.7 billion, including air freight exports of food valued at $500 million. In 2021-22, Cairns airport exported food and agricultural products valued at $40.4 million, and this centre has the potential to push those numbers even higher in the years ahead.”
Air Freight Handling Services managing director Barb Ford said the company was pleased to have managed the delivery of the project in conjunction with the Queensland government, Cairns Airport and the local community.
“Throughout the process, a significant number of local people with local businesses, have collaborated with us, from designers, managers and professional teams, through to builders, tradespeople and suppliers,” he said.
“The project demonstrates excellence in its delivery, design and workmanship, and we can’t wait to see the ongoing opportunities this facility brings back to the community.”
