Gladstone Regional Council has welcomed the approval of a $308 million high-tech abattoir project and the jobs boost it will bring to the region in 2019.

Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General has approved Asia Pacific Agri-Corp’s development application with the project set to commence in May next year.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the abattoir’s construction would create over 300 jobs initially and more during operation.

“This is very positive news for employment in our region and will further boost our local economic outlook next year,” Councillor Burnett said.

“Create, innovate, diversify is the theme of our new Corporate Plan and projects like this and others announced in the past week are helping diversify our economy.

“This abattoir project will be the first of its kind in Australia able to process 2,400 head of cattle per day to meet growing demand for our quality Australian beef.”

The facility’s product will be exported through the Port of Gladstone to international markets highlighting Gladstone’s reputation as a city to do business.

Meanwhile the state government says the new abattoir will generate 335 operational jobs.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the project, to be built by the Asia Pacific Agri-corp in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA), will be the first of its kind in Australia.

“Once fully operational this cutting-edge facility will be capable of processing 2,400 head of cattle per day ready to cater for growing demand for Australian beef,” he said.

“The development approval also provides for 95 hectares of solar panels, capable of generating 78 MW of electricity or almost one third of the sites total electricity needs.

“A further energy efficiency measure includes the development of an on-site 33MW hydrogen plant to service the abattoir’s boiler.”