A commercial woolscouring plant in Blackall is one step closer with the State Government reaffirming its commitment to fund the planning and feasibility study for the project.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett made a special trip to Blackall on Wednesday, 4 December, to meet with Gregory MP Sean Dillon and key stakeholders to discuss the importance of the $940,000 funding injection, which was pledged prior to the state election.
“I wanted to get out to Western Queensland as soon as possible to speak directly with wool industry representatives and the many key stakeholders who know the importance of this project,” Mr Perrett said.
“In the lead up to the election, Premier David Crisafulli and I set an ambitious target of increasing Queensland’s agriculture output to $30 billion by 2030, driving future investment, creating jobs, and unlocking opportunities for producers.
“This project right here in Blackall is imperative to our broader commitment to increase agricultural production in this state.
“This local woolscour project also highlights the importance of value adding opportunities in further developing the local industry, and our manufacturing capability.
“I will always have the back of our Western Queensland communities. This is our promise – we are here for the people who make Queensland’s agriculture great.
“Our government is committed to the long-term future of traditional primary industries like wool because they are a key pillar in our State’s economic prosperity.
Mr Dillon said the funding commitment was a game changer for the wool industry.
“A local woolscour will enable early-stage fibre processing in regional centres and that means more jobs and skills will remain in the bush,“ he said.
“By restoring domestic manufacturing capacity in Blackall, we are helping surrounding rural communities to stay strong and vibrant.
“As the wool sector continues to recover, we need to supply opportunities for local growers and families, while reducing the costs they incur in shipping raw wool to other locations”.
The historic Blackall woolscour was fully operational between 1908 and 1978 but cheaper international competition meant it was eventually closed.
The new woolscour is proposed to run entirely on renewable energy thanks to the Great Artesian Basin.
Mr Dillon and Mr Perrett also toured the Central Queensland Inland Port (CQIP) at Yamala, 25km east of Emerald.
“Informative and constructive meetings were held with the CQIP stakeholders to identify requirements to progress the area to its next stage,” he said.
“We also met with the Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) to further understand challenges and opportunities throughout the region and discuss the next steps that will need to be undertaken.
“Broad conversations were held with various stakeholders representing the agricultural industry over lunch, including growers, irrigators, cattle producers, agents and meat processors.
“The growth of the value of agriculture, drought support and water security and pricing issues were key points of discussion, along with expansionary opportunities.”
