Amazon to invest $750 million in Queensland robotics fulfilment centre
Amazon Australia plans to invest more than $750 million in a Queensland robotics fulfilment centre in North Maclean. The facility will support delivery to customers throughout the state.
The Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre is scheduled for completion in 2028. It is expected to create more than 1000 jobs in the local area once operational.
The facility will cover 150,000sqm across four levels and will use Amazon robotics technology. The site will have the capacity to store up to 15 million smaller items, including pantry products, beauty products, electronics and toys sold on Amazon’s Australian site.
Wayne Angus, director of operations at Amazon Australia, said the facility will combine robotics technology with the local workforce to support operations and customer delivery. “People are at the heart of our operations. By combining robotics technology with local talent, we are building a workplace where people and technology work together to deliver for customers,” he said.
Amazon said the centre could process more than 125 million packages annually when operating at capacity. This includes items from SMEs in Queensland that use Amazon to sell to customers across Australia.
Ros Bates, Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, said the project will support local businesses using the Amazon platform to reach customers. “This new facility will be a boost for local businesses that sell through Amazon. It will help them reach more customers, delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.”
The facility will include roles in engineering, IT, operations and human resources, as well as entry-level roles with on-the-job training. Amazon said the robotics systems will also require roles in robotics maintenance, systems operations and technical support. Most roles are expected to be permanent positions once the facility is operational. Employee benefits include subsidised health insurance and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave.
Logan Mayor Jon Raven said the project would provide technology-related employment opportunities for people in the area.
In Amazon robotics fulfilment centres, automation systems handle lifting and repetitive tasks. Workers focus on tasks that require judgment and skills. Each robot at the facility can lift up to 500kg and operates through central planning software, including protocols during power outages.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the investment reflects cooperation between government and industry. “EDQ also approved this application in record time – just 35 business days. It’s the fastest approval Amazon has received for any project in Australia to date,” he said.
Construction has started at Charter Hall’s Flagstone Logistics Estate, a 10ha site in the City of Logan with access to the Mount Lindesay Highway in south Brisbane. The facility will be Amazon’s second fulfilment centre in Queensland. It will operate alongside the existing site in Lytton and logistics sites in Heathwood and Arundel on the Gold Coast.
Comment Manually
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No comments