Agri-business in South West Queensland
Find out more information on opportunities for work and business on the “Invest SWQ” tab or download the Regional Prospectus here.
South West Queensland is a prime agricultural and horticultural region, with producers using cutting edge technology and innovation to grow food and fibres of world-class standard.
The South West provides numerous investment opportunities for large and small producers. For southern growers, it can mean an opportunity to expand the growing season for various crops. For smaller producers, there are a number of niche opportunities that take advantage of the region’s climate, land and water.
Investment opportunities:
Intensive horticulture
Beef cattle, lamb, sheep and goat farming
Remote monitoring and drone sensing
Meat processing (beef, lamb, sheep) for specialised sectors
Game meat processing for pet food
Aquaponics
Nurseries and native plants
Significant assets:
Available water for agriculture and horticulture
Diverse range of climate and soils to suite variety of livestock and crops
Strong transport accessibility via road and rail
Large existing and diverse sector with established local supply chains
Cost advantages over numerous competing locations
Available (and affordable) residential and industrial land to support growth
Competitive advantages:
Largest saleyards in Australia at Roma (recently completed $8.6 million redevelopment)
Over $500 million in regional agriculture value-add
Half of Queensland’s wool, sheep and lambs
A fifth of Queensland’s cereal crops
CASE STUDY: Moonrocks
David Moon
Moonrocks is a family owned, Australian business, operated by fifth generation farmers Andrew and David Moon. Built on a strong foundation of consistent quality through environmentally sustainable farming practices and attention to detail, the Moonrocks farms are located in St George.
Moving to the region over 40 years ago the family has been farming there ever since. Known for growing rockmelons in their early days, the brothers ventured into onions over 20 years ago, with garlic following shortly after.
With a predominantly hot and dry climate the region provides the perfect environment for high quality produce to be grown. By continually investing in the latest technology, Moonrocks has added value to its staple product lines of onions, garlic and broccoli, producing peeled onions and dried garlic, and demonstrating the enormous opportunity for continual refinement and innovation within horticulture in the region.
Boundless Opportunities in South West Queensland:
Discover our Accessibility
3,000 km of sealed road
6 major highways
6 municipal airports
2 major rail lines
Discover our Affordability
Industrial land is 75% less than South East Queensland
Commercial rents are 66% lower than South East Queensland
Housing is less than half the median cost in Queensland
Discover our Amazing Lifestyle
Dozens of National Parks and State Forests
Dozens of Inland lakes, rivers and gorges
Some of the best fishing and camping in Queensland
“We were brought to the region by the soil and growing conditions, and we expect the area to continue to evolve as a mega hub for horticulture.”
Contact for More Information
South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Simone Talbot, Executive Officer
Tel: 0427 990 201
Email: simone.talbot@swqroc.com.au
Web: www.swqroc.com.au
Boundless
Opportunities for Industrial Businesses
With booming mining and agricultural sectors, the South West region is a great place for industrial businesses.
The region already boasts a diverse range of manufacturing and engineering businesses ranging from coal seam gas well drilling equipment to premium charcoal, from oil and gas engineering services to engineering businesses for agricultural equipment. With great transport networks, a strong workforce and a variety of affordable industrial locations, there are plenty of opportunities for industrial businesses to grow in the South West.
Investment opportunities:
Engineering and metal working to supply local agriculture and mining
Advanced manufacturing
Food and beverage manufacturing
Waste management and recycling
Competitive advantages:
Thriving agriculture and mining sectors, creating strong demand
Good road and rail transport access
Strong local workforce and access to labour
CASE STUDY: Sharpe Engineering
Established 25 years ago with a bank loan, Sharpe Engineering has matured into one of Australia’s leading specialist engineering and manufacturing firms. Producing, servicing and repairing drilling related tools and equipment, Sharpe’s clients include operators, contractors and service providers across the resource and energy sectors such as Santos, Origin, Senex, Anglo American and Beach.
Headquartered in Roma and with two further Queensland sites including a Brisbane base, the family-run business is firmly rooted in the local community, with well-established links to local schools, providing a steady stream of the next generation of apprentices.
Sharpe’s success is built on a firm commitment to the highest industry standards, continual investment in staff, and wide diversity of over 100 clients, contributing to its achievements in exports.
Boundless Opportunities in South West Queensland:
Discover our Accessibility
3,000 km of sealed road
6 major highways
6 municipal airports
2 major rail lines
Discover our Affordability
Industrial land is 75% less than South East Queensland
Commercial rents are 66% lower than South East Queensland
Housing is half the cost of South East Queensland
Discover our Amazing Lifestyle
Dozens of National Parks and State Forests
Dozens of Inland lakes, rivers and gorges
Some of the best fishing and camping in Queensland
“The booming resources industry means we thrive in South-West Queensland, enhanced by Roma’s strategic location, our ability to retain staff as an employer of and the region’s magnetic liveability”
Contact for More Information
South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Simone Talbot, Executive Officer
Tel: 0427 990 201
Email: simone.talbot@swqroc.com.au
Web: www.swqroc.com.au
Boundless
Opportunities for Transport and Logistics
With booming mining and agricultural sectors, the South West region is a great place for transport and logistics businesses.
The South West has six major highways that provide numerous transport corridors in every direction and access to north Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales. This highway network is further supported by numerous major roads, two rail lines and six airports, providing numerous options for transport.
Given the nature of the region and its strategic central location in Australia, services to the transport sector are in high demand. There are numerous opportunities for transport providers, transport services and distribution operations.
Roadhouse Options – Available Sites
There are a number of potential roadhouse sites in the South West region. All sites are directly adjacent to major highways or roads and some have operated previously as a roadhouse or petrol station. With major highways dissecting the region and a vibrant and growing agriculture and mining industry, there is strong demand for petrol stations and roadhouses in the South West region.
Investment opportunities:
Distribution hubs and warehouses
Roadhouses and truck stops
Specialty mechanics
Competitive advantages:
Thriving agriculture and mining sectors, creating strong demand
Good road and rail transport access
Strong local workforce and access to labour
CASE STUDY: Morven Freight Hub
Bringing the Morven Freight Hub to life, Watco East West operates freight trains through the recently opened facility.
Handling livestock the facility allows cattle to be spelled, rested and weighed, with up to 1,000 head railed direct to processors. The commencement of bulk, break bulk and container intermodal freight services through the hub will further enhance the flow of freight to and from many regions.
Located at the junction of the Landsborough and Warrego Highways, the hub presents a new opportunity for both producers and processors to re-evaluate the logistics of moving cattle not only in the South West, but also from the Central and North West regions. The facility also opens up opportunities for movement of goods to the region and beyond, for example servicing the energy industry.
Boundless Opportunities in South West Queensland:
Discover our Accessibility
3,000 km of sealed road
6 major highways
6 municipal airports
2 major rail lines
Discover our Affordability
Industrial land is 75% less than South East Queensland
Commercial rents are 66% lower than South East Queensland
Housing is half the cost of South East Queensland
Discover our Amazing Lifestyle
Dozens of National Parks and State Forests
Dozens of Inland lakes, rivers and gorges
Some of the best fishing and camping in Queensland
“The hub is a game-changer for the region, opening up a whole new range of logistics options in and out of the South West.”
Contact for More Information
South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Simone Talbot, Executive Officer
Tel: 0427 990 201
Email: simone.talbot@swqroc.com.au
Web: www.swqroc.com.au
Boundless
Opportunities for Tourism and Events
Nowhere quite captures the spirit of the Australian Outback like South West Queensland, with its wide open spaces, panoramic landscapes and vast skies. However, the region offers more than just the quintessential outback experience, with unique stories, history, indigenous heritage, as well as a range of visitor experiences.
The tourism potential of the region is huge and largely untapped, providing a wealth of opportunity for a variety of investors and tour operators.
Investment opportunities:
New accommodation developments including eco-resorts, glamping as well as traditional hotel accommodation
River based tours and visitor activities
Range of distinct outback tours including 4X4, hiking, chartered flights and more
Health and wellbeing experiences (spas, hot springs, mud baths, retreats)
Stargazing
New events to focus on niche aspects of the region include adventure, food and beverage, music stargazing and more
Significant assets:
Industrial and cultural heritage – The Big Rig, WW2 Secret Base & Tour, Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, Dig Tree Visitor Experience and the Cunnamulla Fella
Health and wellness – mud springs, Balonne Baths, Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell and the planned Cunnamulla Hot Springs and Riverwalk
Natural history and environment – Eromanga Natural History Museum, Carnarvon Gorge, Charleville Cosmos Centre, Baldy Top Lookout and numerous National Parks, State Forests, inland waterways and lakes
Competitive advantages:
Over 1 million visitors per year (and growing)
Growing interest in the Outback and more Australians vacationing at home
Untapped and undisturbed natural beautyand amenity
Strong accessibility via road, rail and air
CASE STUDY: Warrego Riverside Tourist Park
Drawn to the untapped potential of an idyllic spot by the water, Warrego Riverside Tourist Park was established by Judy Roberts nearly ten years ago. Covering an area of 32 acres, the park caters for caravaners and campers with 30 powered sites and endless space by the side of the river.
A typical season sees the park welcoming 3,500 vans with many returning year on year. The favoured spot is now a destination in its own right with scores of loyal visitors making it their end point on epic trips from either the east or the west.
Boundless Opportunities in South West Queensland:
Discover our Accessibility
3,000 km of sealed road
6 major highways
6 municipal airports
2 major rail lines
Discover our Affordability
Industrial land is 75% less than South East Queensland
Commercial rents are 66% lower than South East Queensland
Housing is half the cost of South East Queensland
Discover our Amazing Lifestyle
Dozens of National Parks and State Forests
Dozens of Inland lakes, rivers and gorges
Some of the best fishing and camping in Queensland
“There’s endless opportunity here for the tourism industry, with unmet demand for larger tour groups and great potential for more product that taps into health and wellness.”
Pub & Hotel Investment Opportunities
Ever dreamed about running an outback pub? Or maybe a hotel? Enjoying the country lifestyle and being a central part of the community can be an exciting tree change. Here is your chance.
There are a variety of pubs and hotels currently for sale in South West Queensland:
Maranoa Regional Council (click each below to view)
Murweh Shire (click each below to view)
Paroo Shire (click each below to view)
Quilpie Shire (click below to view)
Contact for More Information
South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Simone Talbot, Executive Officer
Tel: 0427 990 201
Email: simone.talbot@swqroc.com.au
Web: www.swqroc.com.au
Pub & Hotel Investment Opportunities
Ever dreamed about running an outback pub? Or maybe a hotel? Enjoying the country lifestyle and being a central part of the community can be an exciting tree change. Here is your chance.
There are a variety of pubs and hotels currently for sale in South West Queensland:
Bulloo Shire
Oasis Motel in Thargomindah
Maranoa Regional Council (click each below to view)
Murweh Shire (click each below to view)
Paroo Shire (click each below to view)
Quilpie Shire (click below to view)
Balonne Shire (click each below to view)
Boundless
Opportunities for Property Development
With so many business opportunities in the South West, there is currently a significant demand for housing.
Many of the communities in the South West have zero or very low levels of residential vacancy and a lack of housing stock on market. Growth for housing is based on strong employment growth locally across public administration, healthcare, the police force, mining and agriculture as well as hospitality and tourism.
There is demand for almost 600 new dwellings over the next three years.
Development lots are available across a range of sizes, from 500 sqm to over 10 ha and averaging between 1,000-2,000 sqm. Almost all lots have utility services to the boundary of the property, including power, sewer and water connections. Cost of land is also very affordable, starting at just $5,000 per lot and averaging around $20,000-$25,000 per lot.
All the communities in the South West are unique and have their own distinctive character. However, all major towns have access to good local schools and healthcare facilities as well as all the usual amenities. Country living abounds in the South West, with friendly and welcoming outback communities as well as access to considerable adventure, including some of the best fishing and camping in Australia.
Contact for More Information
South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Simone Talbot, Executive Officer
Tel: 0427 990 201
Email: simone.talbot@swqroc.com.au
Web: www.swqroc.com.au
Boundless
Opportunities for Energy and Resources
With an abundance of natural resources and a stable industry base, South West Queensland is a major hub for the energy and resource sector. The region has a significant oil and gas resource as well as one of the South West is one of the largest producers of opal in the world.
The hydro power plant in Thargomindah was the first in Australia and the third in the world, with the region’s renewable power journey starting in 1893. Today, the region remains at the cutting edge of clean and renewable energy, including deployment of solar, waste heat recovery, renewable methane trials and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
APA Group is currently conducting a $2.2 million trial of a new hydrogen technology at Wallumbilla.
$1.2 million of opal found in the South West!
As seen on the 2021 season finale of Outback Opal Hunters, a team in Yowah QLD (ParooShire) uncovered $1.2 million of rare Yowah nut opals.
Investment opportunities:
Products and services for the existing oil and gas industry
Exploration services
Micro-grid electricity generation
Electricity storage technologies
Range of renewable energy production
Competitive advantages:
A $3.5 billion existing resource industry consisting of oil, gas and opals
Existing supply chains to support further industry growth
Strong transport connectivity across road, rail and air
Available and affordable industrial land
CASE STUDY: Ago Vires
Established in 2014 as a multi-disciplinary energy construction company, Ago Vires employs 25 staff across multiple worksites and now serves three states (Qld, NT and SA), continuing to grow from its base in Thargomindah. Tailored to meet the needs of regional clients, the company provides services to oil, gas, government and energy companies in remote and isolated regions of Australia. Ago Vires has evolved client credibility through their employees and delivery of quality, health and safety and project cost savings.
Boundless Opportunities in South West Queensland:
Discover our Accessibility
3,000 km of sealed road
6 major highways
6 municipal airports
2 major rail lines
Discover our Affordability
Industrial land is 75% less than South East Queensland
Commercial rents are 66% lower than South East Queensland
Housing is half the cost of South East Queensland
Discover our Amazing Lifestyle
Dozens of National Parks and State Forests
Dozens of Inland lakes, rivers and gorges
Some of the best fishing and camping in Queensland
“South West Queensland offers the perfect location for our business, and with its high degree of connectivity both intra and interstate we can easily manage the movement of staff across our project portfolio.”
Contact for More Information
South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Simone Talbot, Executive Officer
Tel: 0427 990 201
Email: simone.talbot@swqroc.com.au
Web: www.swqroc.com.au