A bold leader has been appointed for Australia’s first purpose-built food and beverage manufacturing and education hub, to be based at Sunshine Coast Airport.
When complete, the Turbine Precinct will house manufacturing services, a research and
development facility, warehousing and logistics, an expertise hub and an industry-specific training facility.
The facilities aim to help local food and beverage businesses scale up and develop the capability to expand into larger markets nationally and internationally.
On the back of the recent success in securing Federal Government funding of $8.78 million, Turbine has appointed Frances Cayley to lead the multimillion-dollar project.
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Turbine will create the space where collaboration can flourish and innovation will drive new products and ideas, with Ms Cayley at the helm to bring this vision to life.
Ms Cayley has previously held the position of Sunshine Coast Council head of property, with a $1 billion portfolio that included the new City Hall where she was the project director.
With more than 20 years’ experience in senior roles in the property industry, she has worked across the private sector and local government, managing a diverse range of portfolios.
“Turbine presents an opportunity to establish an important asset that will contribute significantly to the Sunshine Coast’s future,” Ms Cayley said.
“This precinct will shine a light on the importance of manufacturing in the food and beverage sector and will offer so many opportunities to those smaller businesses who really need the support to help them scale, break into new markets and increase their market share.
“This is the start of something truly special, not just for the Sunshine Coast but for all of Australia, and it is a privilege to be a part of such an innovative initiative for our region.”
Turbine Precinct’s Stage 1 will focus on beverage manufacturing. While working with and supporting start-ups and small businesses, this export-ready complex will also attract global beverage brands that see the facility and its location as a gateway to international markets.
Turbine director and Food & Agribusiness Network CEO Emma Greenhatch said the work FAN had already done for regional manufacturers would be amped up.
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“Over the past six years, FAN has created a unique, collaborative ecosystem to support the growth of the food and agribusiness industry across the Greater Sunshine Coast region,” she said.
“Turbine will take this to the next level, providing advanced manufacturing capability, critical services and education and training to turbocharge industry growth.
“Turbine is a project that started on the premise that collaboration is the key to future success and with a vision to create a blueprint for the future of Australian food and beverage manufacturing. The Turbine Precinct will be a place where industry, research, government and education and training providers collectively unlock growth and drive innovation, and Turbine’s Board are delighted that Frances will be leading the project.
“Frances’s values parallel those of Turbine and this, coupled with her skills in property and her ability to engage with key stakeholders, made her the ideal person for the role.”
The Turbine Precinct is due to start operations in late 2023. Visit the website for more.
