A new $1.2 million produce service centre at Inglewood will create more horticultural jobs in the Darling Downs, supported by the Palaszczuk Government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the centre will see Australian-owned farming enterprise Qualipac put on 21 new staff to meet an increase in vegetable production.
“This is great news for the southern Darling Downs, and is a ripe sign that demand for Queensland-grown produce is on the rise,” Mr Dick said.
“The new centre will ensure Qualipac can turn more freshly grown local produce into retail-ready products, which will lead to greater sales and more jobs.
“Our government’s investment will fast-track more employment opportunities between Warwick and Goondiwindi, and will help attract more workers to the region.
“If our regions are strong, our state in strong. That’s why the Palaszczuk Government will always back regional Queensland.”
Qualipac was first established in the Lockyer Valley in the early 1940s and specialises in growing high-quality fresh horticultural crops.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said it was great to see 1000 hectares of fertile Darling Downs land growing new jobs for the region.
“Commitments like this create business confidence, not only for agriculture in the region, but for the sector across the state,” Mr Furner said.
“Qualipac’s flourishing operations in the Darling Downs will be well-served by Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, and the benefits of their success will extend right along the supply chain.”
Qualipac Director and fourth-generation farmer Bradley Qualischefski said the company, which currently employs more than 120 workers in Queensland, will continue to innovate its operations and value-add produce offerings.
“Our business has strong relationships with key national retailers and processors,” Mr Qualischefski said.
“Over the past five years, we’ve also invested in expanding our export operations to Japan, Taiwan and Singapore.”
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