What’s happening?
Lockyer Valley Foods and the Lockyer Fruit & Veggie Cooperative have joined forces with Queensland radio identity Ben Dobbin to launch The Produce Pod, a 12-episode podcast series recorded at the LiSTNR studio in Toowoomba. The first episode is set to be released before the end of June 2025.
Founding director Colin Dorber said, “We all know the power of podcasting and we felt this was a great way to tell the story of the beautiful Lockyer Valley and its incredible reputation for growing Australia’s most diverse range of vegetables and commercial fruits.”
The podcast aims to raise awareness and support for the proposed cannery and food processing facility in Withcott. Guests include Nationals leader David Littleproud MP, Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, Farm Angels’ Tash Johnston, and Cooperative directors Shirley Evans and Marie King.
Why it matters
The Lockyer Valley has not had a Queensland-based food processing facility since 2011. After 14 years of work, Lockyer Valley Foods is proposing a new production site in Withcott that will offer growers sustainable, long-term contracts.
“Our produce manufacturing facility will be a game changer for the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, and surrounding regions,” Colin said. “We will sustainably support Qld growers by purchasing up to 100% of their products with 5 x 5-year supply contracts so it is a win-win for everyone.”
Local Impact
The facility will allow produce to be grown, packed, and distributed locally, cutting reliance on interstate processing. It will also strengthen long-term security for farmers and offer new employment pathways for the community.
“Having someone who has such a long and rich history in the agriculture and produce industry like Ben Dobbin is an important part of our ability to tell our story to a broad audience,” Colin said.
By the numbers
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The project could create between 124 to 150 jobs in Stages 1 and 2.
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Up to 500 jobs are expected once Stages 5 and 6 are completed.
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The proposal includes 5 x 5-year supply contracts, giving growers long-term confidence and guaranteed market access.
Zoom In
The podcast series will highlight the region’s role in producing world-class fruit and vegetables. It also features voices from across agriculture, government, and community sectors who support the project and its long-term value.
Zoom Out
The initiative is part of a broader push to secure Queensland’s food future through sustainable, local manufacturing. It reflects rising demand for home-grown, processed food that supports regional communities.
What to look for next?
Listeners can tune into The Produce Pod before the end of June. Updates on the Withcott facility will be shared on the Lockyer Valley Foods website as progress continues.