Mackay could become home to a new Queensland biofutures area focused on industries making products from sustainable plant-based resources.
A Queensland Government project team has been formed to investigate whether a suitable site in the region could be declared as a State Development Area (SDA) for its growing local biofutures industries.
It would be home to industries making food, fuel, feed and fibre products, by adding value to plant-based output from traditional local industries, including sugar.
The project team will be led by Queensland’s Coordinator-General and will consider the potential for a site for what would become Queensland’s newest SDA.
It’s possible a decision could be made late in 2023 and work on a development scheme for an SDA could begin in 2024.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said Mackay has enormous potential as a leader in the future industries finding new ways to make the food, fibre, feed and fuel the world needs, as per the updated Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan which sets out the vision for the sector.
“The declaration of an SDA in Mackay could help leverage the region’s traditional strengths in rural industries, such as cane growing and milling, and create new industries and jobs.
Mercurius has already established a biorefinery pilot plant in Mackay for the use of sugarcane in the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
“The Queensland Government will be fully discussing the possibilities with local stakeholders and holding public consultation so everyone can have their say.”
Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said a Mackay State Development Area would transform the region into a space where businesses could be brought together to form value chains in industries like biomanufacturing and bioenergy.”
“These are the industries that could utilise our wonderful locally sourced, plant-based organic materials to make everything from fermented foods to aviation fuel.
“An SDA could be the key to unlocking future opportunities and creating good jobs in exciting new industries while protecting existing jobs in traditional industries like sugar.”
