Producers welcome a feedlot in ticky area for ease of cattle management

The Gogango site will accommodate 36,500 SCU feedlot and will employ in excess of 65 full time staff.

It will turnover 125,500 head of cattle and bring with it a $15 million fertiliser plant, which will re-purpose the 43,000 tonnes of manure, turning it into a carbon-based granule fertiliser.

The feedlot is estimated to have a $31.1 million economic contribution to the Rockhampton economy and inject $53.2 million in to the regional economy.

Mort and Co's CEO, Stephen O'Brien and Executive Chairman, Charlie Mort travelled to Rockhampton for the announcement on Thursday, meeting with Gogango locals, council and business leaders to explain the development.

Clermont beef producer Richard Hughes, Wentworth, attended the announcement and said the project received unanimous support from all who attended.

"The Beef Capital of Australia certainly needs another feedlot which will would enhance and support the three meat processors in the region," Mr Hughes said.

"The major plus for beef producers is the feedlot will be built in a ticky area, and cattle would not have to be cleared to enter."

Mr Hughes said the additional bonuses were the availability of the quality of grain grown in Central Queensland, and the water allocation from the nearby Rockwood Weir.

Executive Chairman, Charlie Mort, says the company's commitment to the region is clear.

"We are in the business of innovation and creating a sustainable industry that will service not only this region, but Australian agriculture for many years to come," he said.

"That package doesn't just come with lot feeding experience, it comes with sustainable practices and innovative solutions that the Rockhampton region will be very proud of."

Mr Mort says the company has worked hard to develop complementary businesses over the past five years which contribute to a sustainable and circular economy.

"We now have a de-hulling and de-oiling cotton seed plant which allows us to extract the meal and oil from the seed, which means that, like the manure, there is no waste," he said.

"Our science team has developed a new program which will allow our producers to measure and monitor methane emissions and predict herd production.

"We have a number of trials, including one with Sea Forest, to use seaweed in our stockfeeds to reduce methane on farm."

Rockhampton Mayor, Tony Williams, said welcoming Mort & Co to the region on Thursday is a feather in the beef capital's cap.

"We're excited by the economic benefits of having a company like Mort & Co developing in our region, which dovetails beautifully with our beef industry and our economic development strategy.

Agriculture and the beef industry have been big contributors to our region and sectors where we see real growth opportunities going forward.

Cr Williams said there are numerous saleyards and two major processors on the doorstep in Rockhampton, and one in Biloela.

"Our focus is on attracting new jobs and investment opportunities and it's great to see Mort and Co's project progressing."

CEO Stephen O'Brien said it makes sense for Mort & Co to expand its feedlot footprint into the Rockhampton region, the beef capital of Australia.

"But the Rockhampton region should also be excited about the innovation we plan to bring with our lot feeding experience," he said.

"A new fertiliser factory will be turning the manure on site into a granular fertiliser which is proving to be game changer for Australian Agriculture."

The fertiliser was developed at Mort & Co's Grassdale Feedlot near Toowoomba in Queensland in 2018, and has undergone significant testing and trials on farm and in laboratries.

An independent trial by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has shown the manure granule, when blended with other nutrients, can significantly reduce nitrate leaching into water ways.

"This has huge potential for the Great Barrier Reef. We are looking forward to gaining some support to run on farm trials in this region to prove the benefits," said Mr O'Brien.

Mort & Co is now in discussions with stakeholders and is undertaking preliminary design work.

Completion of the design and tender work is expected early next year, with construction anticipated to commence at the end of 2024.