Professionals, apprentices needed to work at regional boutique supermarket project

Fair Dinkum Meats already operates from shops in Springsure and Emerald but managing director Jason O’Loughlin has ambitious plans to build a state-of-the-art boutique produce supermarket and smokehouse. 

He’ll need up to 24 tradespeople, meat industry professionals, retail staff and marketing professionals to build and run CQ Meat Hub at Emerald, which is expected to open by the end of the year. 

He is one of 15 Queensland rural business owners successful under the latest round of up to $250,000 Queensland Government Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants.  

Mr O’Loughlin says he is aiming to ‘re-invent the butchers shop experience by providing unparalleled levels of quality, value and service’. 

“We already run a successful regional business which prides itself on bringing traditional old school butcher values to providing excellent service, quality products and supporting local employment and communities,” he said. 

“Establishing our own facilities mean we are able to expand the range of goods and better service the needs of customers as well as developing increased control over the quality.” 

The CQ Meat Hub smokehouse and automated meat processing project will include dry ageing cabinets and meat processing technologies for cured meats and small goods including bacon, ham, beef, poultry, sausages and salami.  

The boutique supermarket will retail meat, fruit and vegetables and selected grocery items as well as a café-bistro showcasing seasonal, local and regional produce.  

Primary producers of beef, pork, lamb and chicken are best placed to benefit from the project, as well as fresh produce growers including herbs and leafy greens.  

“It’s essentially a shovel-ready project being spearheaded with vision, intent, energy and credentials to tap into the market with a unique local service offering,” Mr O’Loughlin said. 

The project will need 12 full time workers during the shop fit out and installation phase, 12 meat industry specialist roles including butchers, apprentices, chefs, retail and administration. Up to 48 indirect jobs will stem in the community.  

Already 17 people work in the business, including trainees and a school-based apprentice. 

Mr O’Loughlin said developing relationships and product offerings in collaboration with local producers and regional meat clients underpinned the spirit of the initiative.  

“Despite the region being a strong performer in several primary industries, particularly beef, nearly all of the processing is done outside the region,” he said. 

He said there was also a strong focus on creating new markets though local production, supporting local communities and hiring staff who call the area home. 

The domestic shopper buying fresh food and ingredients to cook at home are expected to be the most popular customers. 

“They are seeking good quality meat, at reasonable prices and purchased from someone they trust. The project aims to develop a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility for both smokehouse operations and new value adding operations,” Mr O’Loughlin said. 

“The project will cash in on the ‘ready- made’ meal market, an emerging and vital food trend. 

“Local people live local, shop local and their kids go to local schools and play in local sports teams. Any investment in developing a local business is an investment in developing the local economy.  

“The trend to move towards buying local, low food miles and supporting local farmers is certainly realised by processing your own products locally.  

“This is an exciting project for Central Highlands consumers and primary producers.” 

The $10 million Rural Economic Development Grants  program provides for three funding rounds over a three-year period ending in 2021.

QRIDA offers a range of assistance to primary producers, small business and non-profit organisations. To find out what’s available visit Programs and Services.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administer the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.