Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said Bega Group’s announcement today to wind down its Peanut Company of Australia (PCA) operations in Kingaroy is a deeply disappointing blow for the community.

Mrs Frecklington said staff, growers, and the community as a whole would be impacted by the decision.

“Bega is a highly profitable multinational company and this decision will devastate the local community, who have been loyal to the brand for many years,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“Kingaroy has long been synonymous with peanut growing and processing, and PCA’s processing business – and it’s heritage-listed peanut silos in Haly Street – have been an iconic local landmark for nearly a century.

“Our thoughts are with affected PCA employees and suppliers, and we trust Bega Group is providing them with the appropriate advice and support.”

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the decision to close the Kingaroy facility, as well as the Tolga facility near Cairns, will impact around 150 employees, as well as Queensland peanut growers.

“Today is a tough day for Queensland agriculture and Bega’s employees and contractors,” Mr Littleproud said.

“PCA had been processing 19,000 tonnes of Australian-grown peanuts every year in Queensland, helping not just employees but regional towns, and so we are deeply saddened by this news.”