Construction has commenced on a substantial new Amazon fulfilment centre in Logan City, south of Brisbane. The facility, situated at Charter Hall’s Flagstone Logistics Estate, represents a significant capital investment of $750 million and is poised to expand Amazon's operational capacity in Queensland.
This new venture marks Amazon's second Queensland fulfilment centre, augmenting its existing site in Lytton and complementing its logistics operations in Heathwood and Arundel. The development, located in North Maclean, is positioned to serve the entirety of Queensland, aiming to expedite delivery times for state residents and enhance Amazon's operational resilience.
The facility is slated to incorporate advanced robotics, with machines designed to handle substantial weight, moving up to 500kg. These robots will operate under a centralised planning system, featuring automated responses to events such as power outages. Tasks involving items exceeding 16kg will continue to be managed from the Lytton facility.
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The project has been presented as a collaboration involving the Queensland Government, through Economic Development Queensland and Trade and Investment Queensland, alongside development partners including Charter Hall and Logan City Council.
Both the Crisafulli Government and Amazon representatives have highlighted the investment as a signal of Queensland's renewed economic momentum and its suitability for business expansion. Amazon Australia's Director of Operations, Wayne Angus, has stated the investment underscores the company's dedication to Queensland customers and its confidence in the state's economic trajectory. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, has echoed this sentiment, framing the project within the government's focus on growth and development.
The new centre is expected to generate employment opportunities, encompassing entry-level positions requiring no prior experience and more specialised roles in fields such as IT, human resources, and robotics maintenance.
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Context and Partnerships
The Flagstone Logistics Estate already hosts established businesses like Bunnings and DATS. This expansion deepens Amazon's existing relationship with its property partner, Charter Hall, where Amazon has previously been a tenant in office spaces.
Previously, Brisbane City Council had initiated plans to rezone approximately 82 hectares across 200 properties for industrial purposes, including warehousing and distribution, a move Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner suggested would attract entities like Amazon and improve local delivery efficiency.
This development occurs against a backdrop where similar automated Amazon facilities globally have faced scrutiny regarding potential impacts on the workforce, even as online purchasing continues to rise. Amazon has indicated that roles at the new facility will be "well paid," a statement made amid past criticisms concerning worker treatment. For comparative scale, Amazon operates an even larger robotic warehouse in Kemps Creek, Sydney, measuring 200,000 square metres.
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