June 26, 2018
The first stage of a proposed multi-million dollar livestock production and processing facility in the Brisbane Valley was officially opened on Tuesday.
Stage 1 of the Brisbane Valley Protein Precinct (BVPP) at Coominya is a $2 million quail processing plant which aims to service the Asia-Pacific market.
State Development Minister Cameron Dick congratulated brother and sister team Duncan Brown and Selena Gomersell on the project, which expands their existing Brisbane Valley Beef operation.
“Diversifying into poultry meat and game birds will be a win for local workers and supply chain opportunities,” Mr Dick said.
“Brisbane Valley Protein has set its sights on being a leader in servicing the growing Asian middle-class and Pacific markets, as well as domestic outlets, and this is a step forward in that direction.”
The quail abattoir is the first stage of a four-stage master plan which includes livestock production and processing facilities as well as training, research and hospitality facilities.
The expected capital expenditure to complete Stages 1 and 2 is around $18 million.
“To date, 12 jobs have been created, and the completion of the master plan will support around 300 direct local jobs in the production and processing operations, while the extensive supply chain needs could also see more than 500 jobs being supported,” Mr Dick said.
“This is particularly great news as we know the closure of the Baiada poultry plant in Ipswich hurt a number of poultry grower contracts, and BVPP has engaged one of those operators to grow the current batch of quail.
“I also welcome the commitment to a local buy program which could have significant flow-on benefits for the area.”
Brisbane Valley Protein managing director Duncan Brown said the venture would put the Brisbane Valley on the world gourmet map.
“Brisbane Valley Protein has established hatching, growing and processing infrastructure, with the processing plant being the first export-orientated quail abattoir in Queensland, and we are very excited by this venture,” he said.
“Already it is providing employment for locals but it means the Brisbane Valley name will be gracing the menus of some of the top nations in the world.”
Brisbane Valley Protein is developing the venture in partnership with diversified South African investment company Safika Holdings Pty Ltd.
