A NEW meatworks and 50,000 head feedlot will be developed in Hughenden after Flinders Shire Council signed a deed with its Chinese partner.
The facility, which will be built on a site on the Old Richmond Rd, about 5km west of Hughenden will process between 800 to 1500 head of cattle daily once operational in 2022.
Work on the project is expected to commence next year after the Hughenden Processing Facility Project Development Deed was signed by council and its Chinese partner Ms Miao Wang, representing CNVM Investment Pty Ltd.
The partnership has advanced the project to design and approval stage, with CNVM Investments required to develop the project within agreed time frames and guidelines.
Flinders Shire Mayor Jane McNamara said the project would be a welcome morale boost for producers in the region who were devastated in February's flood.
"This is a great outcome for the residents of the Flinders shire and the state of Queensland. This strategic project will stimulate further investment and create much-needed jobs in Hughenden and northern Queensland," she said.
"Importantly this new project will provide the opportunity to expand and develop further export channels and grow the current domestic supply chain for Queensland beef into China."
The meatworks will be built adjacent to the feedlot on the 900ha site, with cattle drawn from a 700km radius from Hughenden, within Queensland and the Northern Territory.
"There are no other meat processing facilities of this size in North Queensland. It will be good to give some hope to the producers who have been doing it tough."
Ms Wang said the project would help to strengthen trade relationships between China and Australia.
"This a very exciting project not only for CNVM and our partners along the supply chain to China, but also for further developing good working relationships between Australia and China," she said. "We at CNVM are very committed to the Hughenden Processing Facility and feedlot and are looking to complete the approvals and development process as quickly and effectively as possible, and to bringing this project to life for Australia and China."
Flinders Shire CEO Daryl Buckingham said the facility, which would create 200 jobs when operational, would be a boost for the entire region.
"The Hughenden Processing Facility and Feedlot is further proof of Hughenden's premium position in terms of transport options and proximity to the Port of Townsville," he said.
"This project will inject much needed infrastructure and market opportunities for the beef industry of North Queensland."