Peter Inderbitzin Jnr and Andrew Inderbitzin are congratulated by Premier David Crisafulli and Member for Cook David Kempton at the opening of the family’s exotic mushroom facility on 9 September. Photo: Supplied.
Premier David Crisafulli made a flying trip to southern Cape York last week to attend the opening of an exotic mushroom farm at Lakeland.
The Inderbitzin family developed and built the 9,600-square metre, climate-controlled facility at Red Valley that is now the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
The Premier attended the opening with Cook MP David Kempton and thanked the Inderbitzin family for their contribution to Queensland in bringing innovation to the region.
“That’s why I wanted to come today,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“On behalf of David (Kempton) and me, thank you for your investment.
“To see what you’ve invested here is an incredible leap of faith in a new industry, one that’s not your background and, ladies and gentlemen, we officially declare Red Valley Mushroom Facility open.”
The facility, which has been operational for the past two years, produces about two tonnes of exotic mushrooms each week, supplying cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide with a diverse range of varieties.
Mr Kempton said he had a long association with the Inderbitzin family.
“I have followed this family for two generations as it has brought new technology, investment and creativity to one of Queensland’s richest farming areas,” he said.
“It is wonderful to see this facility come to fruition, as it is the beginning of an incredible opportunity for this region when sufficient water is made available.”
Red Valley general manager Peter Inderbitzin Jnr said the facility had significant scope for growth.
“The project involved three years of planning, one year of construction, and two years of production before reaching its current stage,” he explained.
“We are now operating at 25 per cent capacity, producing more than two tonnes of mushrooms each week.”
The Lakeland facility produces two tonnes of exotic mushrooms each week. Photo: Supplied.
