A FAMILY-run macadamia farm at Bundaberg is about to add another string to its bow, with a new visitor centre set to open by mid-2021.
The Palaszczuk Government's Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund is investing almost $1 million in what will be Australia's first macadamia attraction, run by Macadamias Australia.
The company will also begin work soon on a new cracking plant to address the region's booming macadamia industry.
Macadamias Australia is a division of Steinhardt Corporation, started by Ron and Marion Steinhardt in 1958, with the farm now growing 200,000 macadamia trees. The business exports it kernels and retail ready products internationally, but also sells on the domestic market.
Macadamias Australia director Janelle Gerry said the family business was proud to contribute to the Bundaberg region.
"Our family is looking forward to adding this new seven day a week visitor experience to the region's growing tourism offering," she said.
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"To work alongside the iconic brands of Bundaberg to showcase what's grown, made and produced right here in our backyard is something that we're really proud of as a second-generation farming family."
Ms Gerry said agritourism was something there was increasing interest in these days, with consumers keen to learn about where their food came from.
"We had a farm gate shop selling our retail ready products and saw there was demand for an on-farm tourist experience," she said.
"We thought there was an opportunity there to provide something for the region and for both domestic and international tourists."
Ms Gerry said it also made sense for Macadamias Australia to invest in a cracking plant in what is now the largest macadamia growing region in Australia.
In addition to processing their own macadamias at the facility, the family will also look to purchase nuts from other growers to crack at the plant.
"The family has made a very large investment in the Bundaberg region," Ms Gerry said.
Tourism minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Bundaberg MP Tom Smith visited the farm last Friday for a preview of the visitor experience.
Mr Smith said the complex would be a farm to plate macadamia visitor experience first.
"Bundaberg is so proud of the hard work and innovation of our growers and we recognise top quality produce when we see it," he said.
"And, we're expecting macadamias will start appearing on visitor bucket lists, not just for the great tasting product that they are, but for the great tourism experience that will be on offer.
"This innovative attraction features a pick-your-own orchard experience, an interactive learning centre, a working macadamia processing plant, a café showcasing gourmet macadamia cuisine and Bundaberg's best local produce, plus an event space.
"Macadamias Australia's world-class centre, right next to a working macadamia farm, will attract independent visitors, as well as tour groups, which will be incredibly important to the region for the re-start of international tourism.
"This is an Australian first, and something that all of Bundaberg should take pride in."
Mr Hinchliffe said Bundaberg was famous around the world for its rum, sugar and small crop production but now its macadamias were going to shine.
"Creating the macadamia visitor experience is supporting 37 jobs for tradies with 20 operational jobs predicted once launched in coming months," he said.
"We know the tourism industry has been hit hard by the global COVID pandemic and the closure of the international border.
"Once up and running, it's predicted the Macadamia Australia experience will help to add an extra $38 million every year to the local economy.
"We think Australia will go nuts for the macadamia experience and tourism in Bundaberg and Southern Great Barrier Reef region."
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