The ground may have been hard for the shovel to break, but it didn’t stop Morven from celebrating the official sod-turn for the proposed Morven Freight Hub last week.
Agricultural Minister and Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, was on hand with the shovel to kick-start the project.
Murweh Council Mayor, Cr Annie Liston, said the mood was buoyant for this project in drought-stricken Morven.
“This project has been a long time coming, and the entire region will benefit from this hub, once completed,” Mayor Liston said.
The federally funded project has grown to be an important partnership with federal, state and local governments involved.
Minister Littleproud said Building Better Regions funding was providing much needed infrastructure for important regional supply chains.
“The leaders of South West, via South West RED, first mooted this idea several years ago after successfully advocating for railway sidings at Oakey Beef Exports,” Mr Littleproud said.
“They had a vision and the coalition government at a federal level got behind it via the Building Better Regions Fund to deliver a reality.
“I know exactly how important the red meat supply chains means to the economic development of regional areas and this collaboration will be a great for Morven and great for producers.
“This project will crack open economic possibilities for the southwest.”
Mayor Liston said despite a late start, the Morven Freight Hub was a go.
She told the community at the official sod turn by Agricultural Minster David Littleproud, a few processes around land access and planning held up the project, but nothing was stopping it from proceeding.
“By this time next year, we will be opening a wonderful facility for our region,” she said.
“Morven is a perfect location for a freight hub, given it is a juxtaposition for major regional highways and I commend the political leaders, including our local MP David Littleproud and our Queensland Senator James McGrath, for their foresight in making this possible.”
By the end of construction, Morven Freight Hub will boast modern cattle yards, storage facilities and associated infrastructure to support operations.
Mayor Liston said Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon Mark Bailey, should also be acknowledged.
“Minister Mark Bailey MP has given us unprecedented access to his staff and Director General and the department to make sure this project is a success,” she said.
“The Director General, Mr Neil Scales, has guided us through the project to ensure a smooth alignment between the state and federal bodies.
“The Palaszczuk government is aware of the importance of livestock and transport inter-change facilities for our local economies.”
Mayor Liston said the council would be calling for interested parties to register their capabilities in the coming weeks.
“The Morven Freight Hub will be a public facility for users. It will allow a safe place for cattle trucks to load and unload and utilise a spelling yard and will have an on-site truck turning facility.”
Oakey Beef Exports were represented at the sod-turn by Livestock Coordinator, Daniel Meacham.
Mr Meacham said the continual improvement for cattle access was necessary.
“It is important for processing plants, like Oakey Beef Exports, to secure good supply chains and this proposed hub will assist us with guaranteeing supplies,” Mr Meacham said.
“Morven is where the Lansborogough and Warrego highway meets and connects the north-west and south-west to the east, it is a logical location for a freight hub like this to be placed.”
