Seed handling, crushing and refining: Infrastructure Feasibility Project

This project was designed to research the feasibility of locating a crushing/refining facility within northern Queensland, whether it be static or mobile or a combination thereof. The project came about as a result of the need to develop new cropping areas in northern Australia. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of growing new crops or expanding current crops into this region. However, a major economic hurdle for expansion of oilseed crops is the lack of infrastructure to process the grain locally. Transport of grain to distance processors is both costly and inefficient. The location of such infrastructure within northern Australia, whether it be static or mobile or a combination thereof, would certainly enhance the prospect of expanding crops into this region. The research was targeted to identify all industries linked with a proposed crushing/refining facility and the interactions between industries by understanding the benefits and calculating regional and rural economic benefits. The research gathered input from suitable representatives of identified industries and determine the most suitable infrastructure model, whether it be static or mobile or a combination thereof. A feasibility report was completed, identifying the industries, regions and crops that would benefit most from a crushing/refining facility. It includes a recommendation on suitable infrastructure and supply chain models, as well as a pathway for further development of the facility.

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