New podcast series aims to raise awareness and funds for proposed Lockyer Valley food processing facility

Lockyer Valley Foods

Lockyer Valley Foods and Lockyer Fruit & Veggie Cooperative have partnered with high profile Queensland radio identity Ben Dobbin to produce a 12-episode podcast series which aims to raise awareness of the proposed cannery and food processing facility at Withcott.

Founding director Colin Dorber said the Produce Pod series has been produced at the Toowoomba based Listnr podcast studio with the first episode set to be released before the end of June.

“We all know the power of podcasting and we felt this was a great way to tell the story of the beautiful Lockyer Valley and its incredible reputation for growing Australia’s most diverse range of vegetables and commercial fruits.

“Our region is one of Australia’s best kept secrets when it comes to sustainably producing world class fruit and vegetables at scale. Having someone who has such a long and rich history in the agriculture and produce industry like Ben Dobbin is an important part of our ability to tell our story to a broad audience.

“We’ve got some incredible guests lined up including Nationals leader David Littleproud MP, Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, Tash Johnston from Farm Angels as well as my fellow Cooperative and Company directors Shirley Evans and Marie King amongst others,” Colin said.

Since 2011, the Lockyer Valley has been without a Queensland based local food processing facility and after a 14-year process, Lockyer Valley Foods is proposing to build a brand-new facility at Withcott which will support local and Australian growers.

“Our produce manufacturing facility will be a game changer for the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, and surrounding regions as we commit towards meeting the growing demand for Australian locally sourced, sustainable food options. We will sustainably support Qld growers by purchasing up to 100% of their products with 5 x 5-year supply contracts so it is a win-win for everyone. 

“Our feasibility study includes identification of world-wide state of the art technology and the most innovative methodologies, which supports both Lockyer Valley Foods and Growers alike. This is an Australian initiative where produce is grown, packed, and distributed locally. We anticipate between 124-150 jobs will be created in Stage 1/2 and up to 500 jobs for the community when stage 5/6 is completed,” Colin said.

To listen to the podcast visit The Produce Pod and to find out more about the Lockyer Valley Foods proposed production facility visit: Lockyer Valley Foods

Peppi Bueti tel: 0447 1313 06.