Amazon commits to Brisbane fulfilment centre
Amazon has committed to a fulfilment centre in Brisbane’s north east Lytton.
Cryptically only described as being the size of two rugby fields – so c14,400 square metres – the warehouse will measure 70 per cent of its (24,387 sqm) Melbourne facility, in Dandenong South, and a third of the (43,000 sqm) Moorebank, Sydney complex .
It would, however, be bigger than the 9000 sqm factory Amazon opened last year near Perth Airport.
At a sod turning ceremony last Wednesday, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that as part of COVID-19 economic recovery plans, construction of the Brisbane fulfilment centre would begin immediately.
Despite it being a small shed, the government will sell land to Goodman to build it.
Part of Amazon’s facility will spread onto a neighbouring parcel, part of the landlord’s Port Industry Park.
Upon completion, it is expected to employ about 200 people and store more than 50,000 items.
Amazon in Australia so far
Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, now the world’s richest person, Amazon started trading in Australia three years ago.
It committed to its first local fulfilment centre, in Melbourne, in late 2017: a former Bunnings logistics centre owned by Pellicano’s.
Its Sydney complex was completed in August, 2018, in another Goodman estate, Centenary Distribution Centre.
The Perth Airport facility opened last November.
Five months ago, the ecommerce business launched Amazon Flex, establishing a Melbourne Airport base for partners to collect packages to deliver.
Amazon director of Operations, Craig Fuller, said the proposed Queensland logistics complex (artist’s impression, top), near Port of Brisbane, and Brisbane Airport “is a key strategic location”.
“We’re proud to have played a unique role in supporting Australians during this unprecedented time, helping our customers to get the goods they need for their families without leaving their homes,” the executive added.
“Opening our Brisbane fulfilment centre will build on our capability to support Queenslanders, whilst providing job opportunities for local workers in a safe work environment, along with competitive pay”.
Ms Palaszczuk said “as the state recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, Amazon’s commitment is a clear indication of its confidence in our economic recovery and I’m proud that my government is playing a key role in facilitating their investment in Queensland”.
Lytton is about 13 kilometres from the city.
