QLD Construction Nearing Completion: CityPort Coldstores, 347 Lytton Road, Morningside

CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development to ever be offered within Queensland. The facility can be occupied by a large single occupier, looking to secure the whole facility or three subdivided tenancies from 6,200sqm*.

Key highlights include:

■ Best price per pallet in Southeast Queensland for maximised margins
■ Scalable storage offered for seasonal or long-term demand
■ Internal heights of 11.5m* supports high-density storage, accommodating up to 7 pallets 
■ Advanced temperature-controlled environments with 50% freezer and 50% chiller
■ 6m* wide awnings for all weather loading and unloading 
■ 29 dock levellers spread across three tenancies with 15m* deep ante rooms
■ TradeCoast location with unparalleled connectivity to Port of Brisbane, Brisbane Airport, Gateway Motorway and the CBD
■ Practical completion due in December 2025

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David Gibson

PARTNER

0431 119 602

david@moduspg.au

Henry Devine

MANAGER

0408 745 466

henry@moduspg.au

Benjamin and Benjamin Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) October Update

Background

If you are new to this conversation, the RWTA are working in conjunction with Benjamin and Benjamin Insurance Group Pty Ltd to create a Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) for the financial benefit for members of the RWTA.

What does it deliver?

The DMF can issue contracts like insurance policies as an alternative to your current property and public liability insurance. 

Its purpose is to lower your insurance premiums and help reduce claims that your business might otherwise incur.

Where are we at?

There are presently 18 cold storage businesses with more than 30 sites across Australia & NZ involved in progressing this presently.

Physical reviews have just been completed across Australia and NZ.

Next stages

1.      Insurance Actuaries, Risk Managers & Insurance Lawyers will review physical reviews and other businesses documentation to provide a report on:

a.      If a DMF is viable – up until now all the information supplied by these 18 businesses indicate that a DMF is viable and useful to reduce premiums for members.

b.      If a DMF is viable, the correct corporate & business operational structure of the DMF.

2.      Proposition of the DMF is presented to the RWTA membership for acceptance or rejection.

3.      If accepted, the DMF structure will be created.

4.      It is estimated that if the DMF is created, it will open for business on or before Monday February 2nd 2026.

Form more information contact: mariannek@rwta.com.au

Frozen Assets, Rising Demand – Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Insight

Australia’s cold storage sector is experiencing critical undersupply, with vacancy at just 0.6% compared to a 3% industrial average. Existing stock is around 3.1 million m², yet nearly one million more will be needed in the next decade. High build costs and sector complexity restrict new supply, while 25% of facilities risk obsolescence due to age and tenant demands for automation and sustainability. Retrofitting ambient warehouses offers a partial solution. Strong demand from e-commerce, food and pharma is driving rents up 70% in five years. Investment appetite is growing, making cold storage a high-value, resilient asset class.

Industry Discussion on the National Food Security Strategy

Industry Discussion on the National Food Security Strategy

On Friday 5 September, over twenty industry stakeholders, including the RWTA, met to discuss the National Food Security Strategy Discussion Paper. This group expanded on participants involved in developing the recently released Green Paper by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The purpose was to explore whether shared priorities could emerge to complement individual stakeholder submissions.

There was strong support for the discussion paper as a timely step toward a more resilient food system.

Attendees emphasised the need for a sharpened focus, identifying the security of critical inputs as the foundational priority for Australia’s food system. Addressing these core requirements was seen as essential to enable success across all other strategic goals.

Key areas of consensus included:

• Establishing a systematic process to identify and prioritise vulnerabilities.

• Recognising biosecurity as a standalone pillar of the strategy.

• Formally elevating food security as a national security priority, ensuring industry insights are included in government decision-making and intelligence sharing.

• Reframing the role of industry as critical infrastructure requiring strategic support rather than increasing cost-recovery models.

• Strengthening regional preparedness through a place-based approach and building resilient Indo-Pacific trade links.

Stakeholders committed to supporting the development of a robust strategy, ensuring these shared priorities are reflected in submissions alongside individual perspectives.

FlowPower at the RWTA Conference & Exhibition

Gold Sponsor, Flow Power in the mix at the RWTA Conference and Exhibition, take a few moments to listen to what they have in store for 2026 to save you dollars!

NZCSA25 Conference

The RWTA would like to compliment the New Zealand Cold Storage Association’s NZCSA25 Conference, held from 24–26 August in Napier.

It was a resounding success, drawing a record 240 attendees. With the theme “Embracing AI and new technologies: What is the future of cold storage?”, the event showcased forward-thinking presentations, an innovative expo, and vibrant social gatherings including the gala dinner. This year, NZCSA trialled a shorter, sharper speaking format, which proved highly effective in capturing attention and sparking dialogue. The result was unprecedented member engagement, with conversations flowing more openly than ever before. NZCSA25 set a new benchmark for industry collaboration and innovation.

We recommend that you attend their conference next year at Christchurch, 2-4 August 26.

2025 GCCA Convention

The 2025 GCCA Convention, was held from 15–17 September at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, and it was an invaluable gathering for the global cold chain. It brought together industry leaders, and the program was designed to provide actionable strategies on the most pressing issues facing our sector today. Highlights included workforce development, with innovative solutions for recruitment and retention; energy management, focusing on reducing costs and boosting efficiency; and the latest in technology and automation, from WMS to AI. Attendees gained insights into regulatory compliance, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving standards. Make sure you don’t miss their next conference in Scottsdale Arizona on the 27-29April 2026.

One system. Three temperature zones. Endless possibilities.

Swisslog AutoStore multi-temperature solutions

Efficient storage across frozen, chilled, and ambient temperatures

Swisslog’s latest multi-temperature AutoStore solution enables efficient storage across frozen, chilled, and ambient temperatures – all within one automated system.

For businesses in the cold chain and beyond, this solution reduces costs, improves accuracy, and enhances sustainability while managing multiple temperature zones seamlessly. As one of the world’s top AutoStore integrators, Swisslog brings proven expertise in food and beverage, e-grocery, e-commerce, retail, pharmaceuticals, and more.

How it works:

• Zoned grid design: The AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution divides the automated grid into distinct zones that operate at different temperatures. 

• Thermal control: This allows for the concurrent storage of ambient, refrigerated, and frozen goods within the same automated warehouse. 

• Robotic picking: Robots deliver the products directly to goods-to-person stations, minimising human labour, reducing picking times, and delivering accuracy that is regularly above 99%. 

Benefits include:

• Save energy and costs: Optimises energy use by eliminating the need for separate temperature-controlled facilities.

• Increase storage density: Maximises capacity by combining different temperature requirements in a single footprint.

• Boost efficiency: Shortens order fulfilment times and enhances productivity through automation.

• Gain flexibility: Ideal for handling a diverse range of temperature-sensitive products, from food to pharmaceuticals.

• Ensure accuracy and quality: Precise handling and temperature management preserve product freshness and integrity.

Case Study: La Réserve des Saveurs

 The first Swisslog AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution was installed at La Réserve des Saveurs in France, enabling the European food leader to completely rethink its operations, optimising its storage capacity, reducing its order delivery time to less than half a day, and reducing its carbon footprint.

This AutoStore solution enabled operators to do in one hour what they would previously do in a day

Find out more about how a Swisslog multi-temperature AutoStore solution can deliver benefits to your next project.

Swisslog is a proud member of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia (RWTA).

Swisslog Australia Pty Ltd. 

Level 5, Building A, Rhodes Quarter,

1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes NSW 2138

RWTA New Member Introduction – New Tech Logistics!

NewTech are a cold chain logistics company that operate from their head office in Sydney and have capability in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Growing at a rate of knots with new space pending in Sydney

Toyota Material Handling Interview

Diamond Sponsor, Toyota Material Handling, was on the front foot at the conference, and Steve Parbery was there with all the information you could need.

Watch as Steve speaks about the company, conference and what’s in store at TMHA!

Welcome Import Export TV

We were delighted to welcome Import Export TV as the official media partner for this year’s Conference & Exhibition.

At Import Export TV, they’re passionate about supporting businesses in the refrigerated warehouse and transport sector. They offer affordable, tailored marketing packages designed especially for small and growing businesses - with an exclusive offer available to RWTA Members.

Each package includes:

• Professional content creation

• Social media management

• Ad campaign support

Exclusive for RWTA Members: 15% discount on all social media and marketing packages until 31st October 2025.

Let them help you build on the momentum from the conference and take your brand to the next level.

To find out more or to accept this limited time offer, contact Lawrence at lawrence@importexporttv.com/ Mob: 0433 559 258

Shane Jacobson and Healthy Heads ask, “How Ya Travellin’?

New Mental Health Podcast for the Industry

How Ya Travellin’? is a new podcast by Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, hosted by Shane Jacobson. It supports mental health in the transport, warehousing, and logistics sector by tackling stigma and encouraging open conversations. With relatable stories, expert tips, and a down-to-earth tone, it’s tailored to the unique challenges of our industry. Whether you're on the road, in the warehouse, or managing logistics, there’s something for everyone.

Listen now via the Healthy Heads App or on major podcast platforms—and share it with someone who might benefit.

Future-Proof Your Warehouse Operations: Tackle Challenges with a 3PL Industry-Specific WMS

In today’s fast-paced 3PL world, efficiency, visibility and customer responsiveness is essential.

Join Fusion5/Boltrics’ live webinar to explore the challenges 3PL providers face and how a dedicated WMS, TMS and FMS solution can future-proof your operations. Jan-Cornell van Ekris, Managing Director of Boltrics, will showcase a real-time demo of Boltrics’ Dynamics, built specifically for 3PL businesses. Discover how to move beyond paper-based processes, cut costs, and manage growing complexity with practical tools and insights. Learn how Boltrics automates warehouse and transport processes, why Business Central is the platform of choice, real-world examples of success, and how Fusion5 supports you locally.

Who should attend?

• Operations and Warehouse Managers looking to streamline processes and boost efficiency.

• Logistics and Transport Managers seeking smarter tools for real-time visibility and automation.

• IT and Supply Chain Leaders exploring scalable tech to future-proof their 3PL operations.

Join Fusion5/Boltrics’ live webinar on 12th Sep

Please contact Tom Marshall should you have any questions:

E: tom.marshall@fusion5.com.au

M: +61 400 163 340

For RWTA members, and attendees to the RWTA Conference, please put (RWTA) after your company and you will go into a draw to win a Dan Murphy's Gift Hamper of your choice of up to $200.00.

New Global Frozen‑Food Protocol Launches: Elevating Temperature Monitoring & Supply Chain Efficiency

On July 29, 2025, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), with backing from regional bodies such as the German Frozen Food Institute and the British Frozen Food Federation, unveiled a new international protocol for temperature monitoring across the entire cold chain.

This standardized, data-driven framework guides operators—from manufacturers to logistics providers and retailers—on how to record, track, and analyze temperature fluctuations at critical points throughout production, transport, and distribution.

The aim is clear: enhance product quality, improve operational transparency, cut energy consumption, and reduce CO₂ emissions while fostering consistency and sustainability industry‑wide.

Conference Interview with ASKIN Performance panels at the Conference

Listen in to Diamond Sponsor, Matthew Green from Askin Performance Panels speak at the Conference about what’s on in the year ahead for his company!

Perth Transport and Logistics Hub Opportunity

A new Transport and Logistics Hub is under development in Northam, just one hour east of Perth at the end of the RAV7 network on the Great Eastern Highway. Strategically positioned to support freight movement across Perth and the Wheatbelt, the site offers an excellent opportunity for refrigerated transport companies to establish a regional depot or distribution centre. Located adjacent to the expanding RTAA site, the hub is set to become a key logistics gateway.

To learn more, we’ve included a project video, recent news article, and RTAA site map.

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Revolutionising the Cold Chain: Must-Read Guide on Smart, Sustainable Solutions

Looking to future-proof your cold chain operations?

This comprehensive industry report, Cold Chain Solutions, dives deep into the technologies, strategies, and innovations reshaping how temperature-sensitive goods are stored, transported, and delivered. Whether you're in refrigerated warehousing, logistics, or food supply, the report explores real-world solutions for improving energy efficiency, compliance, traceability, and cost control. From smart monitoring systems to decarbonisation pathways, it's a must-read for any business aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving cold chain landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen your edge

Morgans Financials’ Matthew MacDonald & Tom Sartor, Speakers at the RWTA Conference

We are pleased to announce that Matthew MacDonald and Tom Sartor, both senior representatives of Morgans Financial Ltd, will be presenting at the upcoming RWTA Conference. Morgans is Australia’s largest national retail stockbroking and wealth management firm, offering clients full-service investment, advisory, and financial planning capabilities.

Matthew MacDonald, a private client adviser with years of experience across Australia and Asia (fluent in Mandarin), focuses on building balanced portfolios for high net‑worth clients.

Tom Sartor, a qualified mining engineer, serves as a senior analyst and portfolio manager within Morgans’ resources and strategy teams, delivering timely insights on equities and market drivers.

Matthew MacDonald

Tom Sartor

This leading investment firm can help cold chain businesses unlock capital, navigate market risks, and plan for sustainable growth. Don’t miss Matthew MacDonald and Tom Sartor at the RWTA Conference as they share expert insights tailored for the future of cold logistics and infrastructure.

Trump’s Tariffs and U.S. Beef: Impacts on Australia’s Industry and Cold Chain

The easing of Australia’s restrictions on U.S. beef imports and the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Australian beef are reshaping cold chain dynamics across both domestic and export markets. Importing U.S. beef introduces new biosecurity risks and compliance burdens for cold chain operators, requiring tighter monitoring, segregation, and traceability protocols. At the same time, shifting export demand toward Asia and the Middle East presents growth opportunities, especially for ports and long-haul refrigerated logistics. Overall, these changes underscore the urgent need for Australia’s cold chain industry to remain agile, resilient, and proactive in managing trade and food safety challenges.

Australia’s beef industry has just been thrust into the centre of a global trade and biosecurity storm. With U.S. President Donald Trump imposing sweeping tariffs and Australia relaxing long-standing bans on American beef imports, the stakes for producers have never been higher. This article unpacks the political manoeuvring, economic implications, and what it all means for the future of Australian beef.

In a dramatic escalation of trade policy and biosecurity diplomacy, the Australian beef industry has found itself caught in a geopolitical crossfire. U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs on Australian exports—coupled with Australia’s decision to lift

In April 2025, the Trump administration launched what it called “Liberation Day,” unveiling a sweeping 10% reciprocal tariff on nearly all imported goods, including Australian beef. President Trump explicitly named Australia’s meat sector as a target, criticising the country for “banning magnificent American beef” while maintaining strong exports to the U.S. The implications were immediate. Although the tariffs apply to U.S. importers—not Australian producers—the cost burden could reduce competitiveness and slow demand in what has historically been a valuable market. Analysts from KPMG estimated the broader tariff measures could cost Australia up to A$27 billion in export losses. While beef exporters have some insulation due to diversified markets and favourable free trade agreements elsewhere, Trump’s move has injected volatility into trade dynamics with the U.S., long considered a reliable partner.

Amid these tensions, the Australian government quietly lifted biosecurity-based restrictions on U.S. beef—specifically on products processed from cattle born in Canada or Mexico. These animals had previously been excluded over concerns related to diseases such as BSE (mad cow) and foot-and-mouth. The move followed a decade-long risk assessment by the Department of Agriculture but came at a time when diplomatic pressure from Washington was peaking. President Trump celebrated the shift as a personal victory, claiming it as evidence of his ability to “open foreign markets to American farmers.”

The Australian government framed the decision as science-led, yet industry voices—especially from Queensland—have raised alarm. Producers and biosecurity experts argue the decision lacks proper transparency and risks undermining Australia’s hard-earned disease-free reputation. Some are calling for an independent review.

Despite the friction, Australia’s beef sector is holding strong. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the 10% U.S. tariff is likely to have minimal direct impact on producers, as most cost is absorbed on the U.S. side. In fact, Australia’s red meat exports remain well-diversified—more than 85% are covered by existing FTAs with key markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China.

Moreover, geopolitical conditions elsewhere are creating opportunities. With China imposing retaliatory tariffs of up to 145% on U.S. beef, Australian exporters are seizing increased demand from Chinese and Southeast Asian consumers. As one door narrows, others are widening.

While the short-term economic fallout may be manageable, there are deeper risks to watch. The introduction of U.S. beef into the Australian market—no matter how limited—sets a precedent. Domestic processors and retailers may begin evaluating American product, especially if cost pressures increase.

More concerning is the erosion of trust in Australia’s biosecurity framework. If future trade or import decisions appear to be politically driven rather than evidence-based, confidence in Australia’s “clean, green” agricultural brand may weaken. This could have flow-on effects across the broader food and export economy.

The confluence of tariffs and biosecurity decisions reflects a new reality: agriculture is no longer a backwater in trade negotiations—it is front and centre. Australian beef producers, long regarded as global leaders in quality and safety, must now navigate a world where trade rules can change with the stroke of a pen or a presidential campaign speech.

For policymakers, the challenge will be to defend science-led decision-making while maintaining essential international relationships. For the industry, the priority is resilience—adapting, diversifying, and staying ahead of the next shock.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: in today’s world, even the humble steak can become a geopolitical tool.

Prechilling: Best Practice or Optional Protocol? What the Experts Say

Is prechilling refrigerated trailers before dispatch a non-negotiable? According to global food safety professionals and the latest 2024 GCCA Cold Chain Transportation Best Practices Guide, the answer is a firm yes. While not a legal requirement, operating outside this standard invites greater scrutiny—learn why best practice still rules the road.

There has arisen the question, whether ‘refrigerated trailers to be at a set prechilled/frozen temperature at time of arriving on dock for dispatch’.

Whenever this question is put to food safety professionals the answer is almost invariably that prechilling should take place. 

Indeed the GCCA Cold Chain Transportation Best Practices Guide revised and updated in 2024 strongly recommends it. 

There is the science on

(a) the necessity of doing it for product temperature integrity reasons and

(b) the best approach from an energy efficiency perspective is not definitive and ripe for further study.  

It’s one of those issues that emerges occasionally; food safety people tend to take a stand and most revert to the more risk averse, best practice.

If companies were to operate under a different protocol, they would not be acting illegally.

Still, they would have to demonstrate clearly how they maintain product temperature through their broader handling protocols and would be exposed if issues arose because they would be acting outside industry best practice. 

Below is an excerpt from the GCCA Portal;

*By being a Member of the RWTA you are immediately recognised as a Member of the Global Cold Chain Alliance as well.

The GCCA have online resources that are free for you to use as are the 18 scientists and emergency request portal.

Let me know if you do not have a sign in and we will get this for you.

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