Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) has officially listed its 58-hectare Gibson Island facility in Murarrie for sale, marking a significant transition for the site, which ceased urea production in early 2023. The industrial property, featuring deepwater wharf access and extensive river frontage, is expected to attract strong interest from developers and logistics operators.
Located at 282 Paringa Road, Murarrie, the Gibson Island facility has played a crucial role in Australia’s fertiliser industry since 1969. The site was the nation’s only urea producer using domestic natural gas, with operations focused on ammonia, urea, and ammonium sulphate manufacturing.
However, the boom in Queensland’s gas exports made it increasingly difficult for the plant to remain profitable. In January 2023, IPL ceased fertiliser production at the site and later announced plans to divest its fertiliser business while retaining its Dyno Nobel explosives division.
Prime Industrial Land Hits the Market
The Gibson Island site spans 58 hectares and includes 1.165 kilometres of Brisbane River frontage with deepwater wharf access, making it one of the most sought-after industrial landholdings on the eastern seaboard.
Colliers Queensland, led by Simon Beirne, Rob Joyes, Peter Evans, and James Wilkie, is managing the sale, with expressions of interest closing on 13 March 2025. Mr Beirne emphasised the site’s strategic location within the Australia TradeCoast precinct, which is home to Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane.
Why Developers Are Taking Notice
With Brisbane’s industrial land in high demand, the Gibson Island site is being positioned as the last large-scale development opportunity in the TradeCoast precinct. The region has seen a 136% increase in raw industrial land values over the past decade, with a 57% rise in just the last five years.
According to Colliers, capital values within Australia TradeCoast are 20-25% higher than other Brisbane industrial precincts due to superior infrastructure and proximity to key transport hubs. Rental rates also exceed those in other industrial zones by 5-15%, further underscoring the site’s value.
Market sources speculate that the property could fetch over $250 million, though no official price has been disclosed.
What’s Next for Gibson Island?
Later this year, IPL will relocate its fertiliser distribution centre from Gibson Island to a third-party facility at the Port of Brisbane, solidifying the company’s shift away from on-site manufacturing.
With expressions of interest closing in March, the future of Gibson Island now rests in the hands of potential buyers—whoever acquires the site will be positioned to reshape Murarrie’s industrial landscape for decades to come.
Published 13-Feb-2025
