Morven's Freight Hub is finally under way

UNFORGIVING soil in Morven could not stop the official sod-turning of the proposed Morven Freight Hub on Friday, with Mayor Annie Liston and Agriculture Minister David Littleproud on hand to kick-start the project.

The freight hub has been a long time coming for the tiny town of Morven, after delays were caused by planning permissions and land access.

But Mayor Liston said the facility was supposed to be only a year away.

"By this time next year, we will be opening a wonderful facility for our region.

"Morven is a perfect location for a freight hub, given it is a juxtaposition for major regional highways and I commend the political leaders for their foresight in making this possible.”

Also touching on the challenge of getting the Morven Freight Hub off the ground, Minister Littleproud said it initially came off the back of a project proposed for Oakey, about five-and-a-half hours east.

"The leaders of South West first mooted this idea several years ago after successfully advocating for railway sidings at Oakey Beef Exports,” Mr Littleproud said.

"They had a vision and the coalition government at a federal level got behind it.

"I know exactly how important the red meat supply chains are to the economic development of regional areas and this collaboration will be a great for Morven and great for producers,” he said.

Once completed, the hub will have cattle yards, storage facilities and infrastructure for operational support.

Interested parties will be asked to register their capabilities in coming weeks.