Growing a greener future in agriculture
The Scenic Rim is a thriving agricultural region in southern Queensland. It’s known for its fertile soils, diverse industries and rich farming history. The region plays a vital role in Queensland’s agricultural output, producing vegetables, beef and dairy. It’s also home to the local vegetable farming, packing and marketing business, Kalfresh.
The Office of the Coordinator-General is working with Kalfresh and the Scenic Rim Regional Council to realise development of the Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct (SRAIP) project. The project will establish an innovative agri-industrial precinct and bioenergy facility on a 40-hectare site at Kalbar. By creating a consolidated, sustainable precinct, it’s helping to grow a greener future in agriculture, drive regional investment and create new job opportunities.
This innovative project seeks to combine agricultural enterprise with renewable energy producers, integrating circular economy principles. The SRAIP will provide new opportunities for processors and producers of agricultural products, whilst converting agricultural and food waste as well as feedstock crops into green power, green gas and biofertiliser. It will build economic opportunities and reduce waste while sustainably generating energy to power operations. This approach supports the region’s agricultural industries and facilitates the goal of creating an environmentally friendly agricultural hub.
Helping to make it happen
SRAIP was declared a coordinated project in May 2019, in recognition of the potential economic, social and environmental benefits it promises. Being declared a coordinated project meant the project proponent, Kalfresh, could leverage our office’s experience and the Coordinator-General’s powers to help advance the project.
Office of the Coordinator General helps project proponents navigate each step of the coordinated project process with coordination, information and advice – from a pre-lodgement meeting, through to application preparation, fulfilling assessment requirements, engagement with relevant State and Australian Government agencies as well as the final evaluation.
As a coordinated project, Office of the Coordinator General was able to help Kalfresh:
- understand and undertake all the steps in the declaration and assessment process
- navigate the approvals required
- inform project risks
- identify opportunities to enhance outcomes for the broader community and the environment.
In May 2024, the SRAIP was given the green light, with the release of the Coordinator-General’s Evaluation Report which recommended the project proceed.
Thanks to our involvement, the SRAIP is taking shape and will bring benefits to the region for years to come.
Read about coordinated projects to learn more about the purpose and benefits of major projects being declared a coordinated project. Furthermore, find out about environmental impact assessments for coordinated projects and the steps for thoroughly assessing and declaring coordinated projects.
Guiding development with sustainability in mind
The SRAIP Development Plan (
2.5 MB) guides future development within the project area. It outlines the specific types of development permitted and details the level of assessment required for proposed developments. This provides a clear framework to ensure that all development applications align with the planning objectives and long-term vision for the region, balancing agricultural expansion with sustainability goals.
Richard Gorman, CEO of Kalfresh, said working with the Office of the Coordinator General on the SRAIP Development Plan has been an incredibly rewarding experience and was bringing huge benefits to Kalbar.
“Kalbar is on track to become the first community in Queensland connected to reliable 24/7 baseload green energy, all generated from local food waste and crops grown in nearby paddocks. The Kalbar Bioenergy Plant will be the first of its kind in Australia, but the model is already tried and tested internationally,” he said.
“This project shows how renewable energy can seamlessly integrate with agriculture to create a sustainable and self-sufficient system – producing food, fertiliser, and energy all from the same local sources.”
Bringing benefits for the region
The development of the SRAIP promises economic, social, and environmental benefits for the Scenic Rim region.
Boosting economic growth
By establishing an agri-industrial precinct, the SRAIP is set to drive regional investment. It will open doors for local farmers to:
- diversify their production
- expand their operations
- engage in value-adding activities that increase the region's agricultural output.
New job opportunities
The SRAIP is expected to create a range of new employment opportunities in agricultural, food processing and renewable energy sectors. As the precinct develops, new roles will emerge in:
- farming
- processing
- logistics
- bioenergy
- technical fields.
These new job opportunities will help to provide long-term employment for local communities.
Sustainable agricultural development
By integrating a circular economy model, the precinct helps farmers:
- reduce waste
- benefit from renewable energy sources.
This sustainable approach not only minimises the environmental impact but also enhances the region’s resilience to future challenges.
Regional collaboration and innovation
The SRAIP is a hub for collaboration to share resources, expertise and technologies. It’s bringing together:
- farmers
- energy producers
- other stakeholders.
Setting a new benchmark for rural development
For the Office of the Coordinator General, this initiative represents a model for the future of rural development.
Gerard Coggan, Coordinator-General, said the success of the SRAIP project will set a new benchmark for rural development across Queensland.
“The SRAIP is a significant step forward for regional Queensland,” he said.
“By establishing an agri-industrial hub that provides the region’s growers with greater flexibility and integrates renewable energy solutions, we’re opening doors for local farmers to diversify and expand their operations. This will drive investment and create sustainable job opportunities across the region.”