DHL Global Forwarding is investing AU$17 million or (11 million euros) over the next 10 years to meet the surging demand for Australian perishable goods export as it opened the newest facility in Brisbane.

The newly launched 4,880-sqm facility is located at Brisbane airport with airside access and close to the Port of Brisbane. The freight forwarder has set up 1,700 square metres for cold chain services that can accommodate perishable exports like high-quality meat, fresh produce and seafood. This is the largest of its kind in the Queensland city.

According to DHL, Queensland’s agricultural and food exports hit AU$10.72 billion last, over a quarter (25.5 percent) more from the previous year. That’s a 16 percent increase from the average of the past five years.

The forwarder said that it has implemented a combination of green practices that will allow the facility to reduce its yearly carbon emissions by 458 tonnes. It also features solar panels and batteries to store excess solar energy for night operations, complete with energy-efficient lighting with motion sensors, rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging points.