Mackay Airport explores potential of regional freight hub

Mackay Airport is in discussions with a number of stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the viability and function of a possible freight hub for the region.

Development of a Global Export Centre in Mackay will be the focus of workshops and presentations next week, in a venture that could give businesses across the region an opportunity to look at potential export markets.

Earlier this year Mackay Airport invited submissions for Milton Precinct and through their land use plan identified the additional opportunity for a freight precinct.

Mackay Airport’s Manager of Commercial and Terminals Adrian Miles said agribusinesses and the Mining, Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sectors were looking to grow their export footprint and the workshop was designed to better understand the demand and the potential for a freight hub across all sectors of the economy.

“Growing demand for quality food being harvested one day and available to global buyers and markets the next, will play a key role in the future of air freight. A precinct on airport offers a speedier transit system and potential for freight innovation in our region.”

“We’ve got a number of advantages as a regional export centre over capital city airports and we’re located where the produce comes from. You can harvest one day and have it on the plane on the same day” Mr Miles said.

Singapore currently imports 95 per cent of its fresh produce and Japan imports 62 per cent of its food and demand from across South East Asia remains high.

Potential export businesses have been invited to be part of the conversation to develop a realistic and comprehensive understanding of the opportunities a freight hub could offer and the work needed to get the region on-board.

“Working with our region is key to the Airport’s success in developing a plan that identifies the opportunities for our community, and our region, well into the future is important.”

“Rising environmental awareness and the need for a speedier transit system for producers across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region are a vital  part of this puzzle and the workshops and presentations next week will give us an indication of the full scope and viability of a freight hub for the region,“ Mr Miles said.