April 2, 2019
Construction will begin this month on Jimbour Beef and Bacon’s new abattoir at Jimbour, which will become Queensland’s second export-accredited pork processing facility when completed.
On Tuesday, State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the expansion – which received support from the State Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund – would boost annual production at the existing facility from 3000 to 20,000 tonnes.
“This funding will help a family-owned Queensland business meet rising domestic demand and tap into new export markets” Mr Dick said.
“Jimbour Beef and Bacon has operated at peak capacity for more than a decade, but recently they’ve been unable to respond to the sustained growth of the Australian pork industry. That’s all set to change now, with the support of our government.
“The existing workforce of 17 will more than triple, with the addition of 35 full-time jobs over the next three-to-four years.
“Meanwhile, construction will support around 30 full-time jobs during the four-year development period.”
Owners Lincoln and Belinda Waldock said the development would be delivered in three stages.
“The government support will enable us to significantly bring forward the overall project, allowing us to expand to full processing capacity much earlier than originally planned,” Mr Waldock said.
“The existing facility will be retained as an operating abattoir during construction, to ensure minimal disruption to our supply chain stakeholders.
“This will mean a seamless transition for our operations and, most importantly, we’ll retain our existing workforce in full employment throughout the process.
“When construction of the new facility is complete, the old abattoir may be decommissioned or used as an additional cold store facility.”
Mr Dick said the new facility would be built and licensed to international standards and export specifications, enabling supply to both domestic and overseas markets.
“Having a second export accredited pork processing facility in Queensland will provide significant value to our pork industry and increase business confidence,” he said.
Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory, located in Kingaroy, is Queensland’s only export-accredited pork processing facility at present.
Work is continuing at Swickers on a $60 million expansion which includes a new slaughter room to increase capacity.
They say they have more jobs, but I do not think it’s true because I’m looking for work and I can not get it. I am packer and I am slicer for more than 10 years. I am Certified 3. I look for work and I do not get it because I am Brazilian. I am very sad for not getting a job.