“Our South Brisbane site has a long history, but its location and infrastructure no longer align with the requirements of a modern, efficient manufacturing network,” he said.
“We also recognise the impact this decision will have on the South Brisbane team, many of whom have contributed to the site and the Pauls business for decades. This is not a reflection on the dedication or performance of our people.
“We are committed to treating employees with care, respect, and transparency, and to supporting affected team members through a comprehensive consultation and transition process.
The Parmalat site sits between the William Jolly and Merivale bridges.
“This decision does not reflect a reduction in our commitment to Australia or Queensland. Lactalis remains firmly committed to Australian dairy manufacturing, with continued investment and employment across our national network.”
For Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the factory’s departure would offer a “rare opportunity” to unlock inner-city land for housing.
The site was within the state government’s Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, which encouraged higher-density housing.
“Strong rail, bus and active transport connections mean we can potentially create thousands more homes where they belong, and make better use of existing infrastructure,” Schrinner said.
“With more than 600 people choosing to move to Brisbane every week, sites like this help us meet demand while protecting the character of our suburbs.
“This is about choosing to go tall in the right places, rather than pushing sprawl further out.”
Schrinner said such developments revitalised underused land and eased pressure on outer-suburban roads and infrastructure.
But local Greens councillor Trina Massey was less enthusiastic about the prospect.
“The lord mayor keeps describing every major site as a ‘rare opportunity’ for high-density housing, yet it is never affordable and there is never a plan to deliver the community facilities residents need – parks, schools, pools, and public transport,” she said.
“On land already vulnerable to flooding, the priority should be climate resilience and community infrastructure like parks and sporting fields, not just developer-led outcomes. This is another missed opportunity for South Brisbane.”
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority considered the Parmalat site as one of 12 possible locations for the planned Brisbane 2032 arena, before eventually settling on the GoPrint site at Woolloongabba.
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