A new cold storage facility at a major Darling Downs abattoir has been given the green light.
Oakey Beef Exports' development application for the expansion was approved last week by Toowoomba Regional Council.
The proposed extension includes an additional 2,496m2 gross floor area comprising additional chiller and frozen storage capacity, automated storage retrieval systems, an automated air blast freezer and a robotic palletising system.
Oakey Beef Exports general manager Pat Gleeson said the expansion project was of strategic importance.
"This initiative will increase efficiencies in our cold store and inventory management systems via the latest innovative technology available on the market," he said.
"It is important to continue to improve productivity and efficiencies in our supply chains, both now and for our future, especially if we are to maintain our market position in a growing global economy.
"Oakey Beef Exports appreciates the ongoing support of the Toowoomba Regional Council with our development projects. TRC understand the importance of ensuring we have a pathway for continuing our role as a major employer in the area and our contributions to the wider economy."
Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio said the expansion was a positive endorsement of the Oakey Beef Exports' operations.
"The firm is a major employer in the Oakey district and this latest announcement will offer new positions and boost confidence in the town," he said.
"While the drought is posing many challenges for our rural communities, there are good long-term prospects for beef producers at this facility.
"Toowoomba is a 12-hour flight to half the world's population, which opens new opportunities for beef producers, especially as plans proceed to integrate transport networks, primarily rail, from western and south west Queensland to deliver livestock to operations like Oakey Beef Exports."
