A new Amazon warehouse the size of 18 rugby fields and fitted out with high-tech robots is being built south of Brisbane.
Construction has begun on the fulfillment centre at the Flagstone Logistics Estate in North Maclean, Logan.
The US tech giant said it was investing more than $750 million in the facility, which would be completed in 2028 and operate 24 hours a day.
It would cover about 140,000 square metres across four levels, have storage capacity for 15 million smaller items sold through Amazon, and the ability to process more than 125 million packages every year.
Robots capable of lifting 500 kilograms each have been planned, and, according to the company, its fulfillment centre would create more than 1000 permanent jobs.
Amazon has developed a reputation for treating its workers poorly, but this week said its roles would be well paid.
“People are at the heart of our operations, and by combining innovative robotics technology with skilled local talent in this state-of-the-art site, we’re building a workplace where people and technology work hand in hand,” a statement from Amazon Australia’s director of operations Wayne Angus said.
The project was approved through Economic Development Queensland, planning minister Jarrod Bleijie confirmed.
Amazon already has a fulfilment centre at Lytton in Brisbane, and logistics sites in Heathwood and Arundel on the Gold Coast.
The announcement comes after Brisbane City Council confirmed a plan to rezone 200 properties on about 82 hectares for uses including warehousing, logistics and distribution.
Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said at the time the move would attract investment from companies like Amazon, and help online retailers deliver good to Brisbane residents faster.
“I get excited about [the rezoning proposal] because this is us adapting to a very rapidly changing industrial and commercial landscape,” he said at the time.
“By updating our planning scheme and updating the mapping, we can make sure that Brisbane residents can get what they need sooner, and that they can have access to faster deliveries.”
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