NSW Farmers welcomes paddock to plane study

International freight airports in regional NSW are just the ticket for getting perishable produce to high value export markets, according to NSW Farmers. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro has announced a pre-feasibility study and into new and existing sites as potential locations for international freight airports.  The study will also explore two-way trade opportunities to maximise profitability and improve services to regional NSW, such as direct parcel delivery.  

NSW Farmers President James Jackson said the announcement compliments the Association’s successful bid to underpin a new era of regional food systems with a Future Foods Systems Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). 

“Fresh food logistics tools to support the rapid export of perishable premium goods is one of the aims of the new CRC. International freight from airports like Coffs Harbour, Armidale and Parkes will be important in achieving this aim,” Mr Jackson said. 

“We could send fresh berries from Coffs Harbour, oysters from the Merimbula airport or lamb from Armidale directly to markets in Asia and the Middle East. The sky is literally the limit.”

“We would urge the State Government to work with the new Future Foods Systems CRC on this project. The CRC has all the expertise from industry, research bodies and Government to exploit opportunities with international freight from regional airports.”

The pre-feasibility study is being delivered as part of the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. More information can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/airfreight.   

Date: Friday 3 May 2019