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Agricultural technology

Leveraging off the local agricultural base, the region is specialising in
the development and use of technology in agricultural, known as Ag-
Tech.
CQUniversity’s Institute for Future Farming Systems assists farmers
with world leading, non-invasive and precision agricultural techniques,
while a new Ag-Tech Precinct/ Accelerator will ensure the region
grows Australia’s next generation of agricultural leaders.
In 2020, a new Ag-Tech Precinct will be established in Bundaberg
that will drive innovation and investment in the region’s potential as a
national Ag-tech centre of excellence.

With an abundance of agricultural land already growing commercial
volumes of feed stock, Bundaberg is attracting innovative companies
producing bioenergy and bioproducts.

The region is already a national leader in solar energy use, with
untapped potential to turn existing feed stocks, and agricultural waste,
into viable forms of bioenergy and bioproducts.

The region has adequate industrial land in proximity to utilities and
feed stocks, with the Port of Bundaberg already exporting biofuels to
various Asian markets.

Investment and business opportunities:

• Bioenergy and bioproduct manufacturers
• Biotech companies and technical services
• Bioenergy export services

Case Study – Bundaberg bioHub

A regional bioHub aggregates organic waste and wastewater to produce energy, water and other bio-products. It provides infrastructure as a service to local industry and Councils.

Utilitas Group (Utilitas) established a local laboratory in 2018 and is now repurposing the retired Bundaberg East Wastewater Treatment Plant to digest local industrial liquid waste for the recovery of biogas for transport fuel and the manufacture of high value fertiliser and clean water.

A pilot plant trial carried out through early 2019 successfully digested the industrial liquid waste and produced viable liquid fertiliser. Crop trials of the fertiliser demonstrated successful application to local horticulture.

The site has existing laboratory facilities occupied by Bundaberg Regional Council and Utilitas. The Bundaberg bioHub will also accommodate the integration of a solar farm and warehouse facilities available for other local tenants. There is capacity to receive additional organic wastes and produce more fuel, fertiliser and water.

Bundaberg has a long history of food and beverage manufacturing, with iconic brands such as Bundaberg Sugar, Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks located in the region, to name a few. As Australia’s largest food producing region, nowhere else in Australia is better positioned to develop new high-quality advanced food and beverage products.

Examples of new beverage manufacturers include Kalki Moon Gin Distilling and Brewing and Bargara Brewing Company. Examples of new food product manufacturers include Farm Fresh Fine Foods and Gin Gin & Dry Gourmet Dried Foods.

Investment and business opportunities:

• Niche health and wellness food products
• Food and beverage processing operations (including freeze dried)
• Micro breweries and distilleries

Bundaberg Regional Council is working to expand the capability of its
local business sector to supply Australia’s growing defence industry.
This initiative is building local industry skills and capabilities to service
Queensland’s defence training facilities and supporting industry to
partner with prime contractors to win large defence work projects.
In 2012, Bundaberg Regional Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation
established the technical feasibility for the Port of Bundaberg to
accommodate a future naval base. Achieving the aspiration, would be
a game changer for the region Industry is based upon:

Investment and business opportunities:

• Defence facilities
• Engineering, facility and land management contractors
• Specialist defence supply organisations