Excitement is building in the south west with the news that work is soon to get underway on the proposed Morven Freight Centre.
According to Murweh Shire councillor, Shaun Radnedge, the community deserved to be excited about the positive flow-on effects of the $4.18 million project, funded by the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
“We will be constructing road train loading and unloading facilities, rail loading and unloading facilities, cattle yards and livestock weighing facilities at the location,” Cr Radnedge said. “It is fantastic for the area and we are already in positive talks with the state Director-General for Transport and Main Roads to contribute further funding to include one more siding at the location.”
Interested persons and business owners are now being urged to register their contact details to receive information on the project.
Cr Radnedge, speaking from his Charleville butcher shop, said a few more bureaucratic processes needed to take place before construction began.
“We need to work with several government departments to ensure we meet all eligible requirements but I can tell you now, we are chomping at the bit to start and we are on track to have the project completed by the end of this year,” he said. “We can’t wait to get the project up and running and demonstrate how good Morven is, as a potential freight centre and as a community.”
Ten full time jobs will be created during construction and there will be two permanent jobs for the town.
Project administrator, Clare Wilkes, said the support and interest the project was receiving from state and federal government was overwhelming.
"It could well position Morven as a hub in the area, not just for rail and cattle but for trucks and general freight too.
"Importantly, it is also increasing opportunities for south west producers to connect with external markets.”
Clare said the group was working closely with Oakey Beef Exports, given their continued support for regional Queensland.
“They have been true champions for this project,” she said.
Oakey Beef Exports last year confirmed it would buy cattle weighed at the proposed facility, potentially reducing transport costs for cattle producers.
Western Queensland producers, particularly those situated along the Landsborough Highway, would only pay freight costs and weighing fees to the Morven facility, with Oakey Beef Exports taking delivery of the sale cattle after they’re weighed.
Expressions of interest to the project can be made to info@morvenfreight.com