In 2024, BGGA received funding through the Regional Economic Futures Fund to commence the “Bowen Food Futures Precinct Project”. Delivered by the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning, this project will focus on the delivery of a business case and feasibility study for a food processing facility in the region and enable the establishment of a pilot processing plant. The project builds on research initiated by BGGA over the past 4 years into the transformation of surplus / waste tomato and capsicum produce into value-added products.
Please note: Following the release of the business case research was further conducted on appropriate site locations for the pilot plant. The site identified as best fit for the project is located in Ayr, North Queensland. This location ensures the project will continue to service growers in the Bowen region, and additionally offer opportunities for Burdekin-based producers. The working title for the project has thus changed to North Queensland Food Futures Precinct.
Business Case Foreword
The Bowen-Gumlu-Burdekin region is a powerhouse of Queensland’s horticulture industry, producing a significant share of the state’s crop. Yet, for all the strength and productivity of our growers, our region has long lacked the processing infrastructure needed to maximise the value of what we produce — and to turn surplus or under-utilised produce into opportunity.
The North Queensland Food Futures Precinct Business Case and Feasibility Study represents a critical step forward in addressing this gap. It lays out a bold, staged pathway to transform the region’s horticultural economy through value-adding processes like freeze-drying and bioactive compound extraction. By leveraging existing production strengths and emerging market demand, the Precinct model aims to return more value to growers, reduce waste, create new jobs, and build long-term economic resilience.
This Business Case and Feasibility Study was developed with the support of the Queensland Government. We are grateful for their recognition of the potential that regional innovation holds — and for their investment through the Regional Economic Future Fund to bring this concept to life.
At its core, this project is about creating a future where our region’s natural abundance is matched by opportunity: where what we grow can be processed, branded, and sold at its highest possible value — right here in in our growing region.
We commend this report to stakeholders across government, industry, and the broader community as a blueprint for regional transformation grounded in sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
The project Business Case & Feasibility Study can be accessed here. Please note the North Queensland Food Futures Precinct business case provides a strong foundation and valuable guidance for the project’s direction, but it should be viewed as a reference framework rather than a definitive blueprint for how the project will unfold in practice.
Stay Tuned for Project Updates
For project updates or general enquiries, please contact BGGA CEO, Jenn Honnery – ceo@bowengumlugrowers.com.au. Our team will continue to provide updates on the project on the BGGA website and via our communication channels as work continues.
BGGA would like to thank everyone who has contributed their time and expertise to this important project thus far, including our valued steering committee, the team at KPMG and staff within the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning.
