Welly Salim was in Tenterfield recently and took the opportunity to begin forging a partnership with Tenterfield Shire Council.

Mr Salim sits on the executive committee of the Australia Indonesia Business Council and has the fortune of being close allies with one of Queensland’s wealthiest families.

Through his own export ventures, Lismore-based Mr Salim struck up a business partnership with the Wagner family who have recently constructed Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and Business Park in Toowoomba.

Mr Salim says he has regularly spoken with the Wagner’s about Tenterfield’s potential offerings.

“When new infrastructure appears it gives back to surrounding regions that embrace the system,” Mr Salim said.

“I have a picture in mind for Tenterfield – what I want to know is what products can be part of the plan.”

Council, at the behest of Mr Salim, have begun drafting up a list of potential suitors for the vision.

He says Bald Rock Beef Jerky and Hillier Design are among a raft of businesses that he sees as viable candidates.

His plans are bigger than just a few businesses however.

“Timber used to be a dominant industry in Tenterfield – I would want to see those veteran skills brought back and recognised, why leave idle and die in places like Tenterfield.”

Mr Salim also runs an adjacent property to the Packer family in the Northern Territory where he benefits from his own cattle trade with Indonesia.

“This plan is something for all of South-East Asia and not just Indonesia.”

To date he’s brokered a number of deals with Lismore traders and he sees the whole surrounding region as a place that has an abundance to offer other markets.

Mr Salim has already pencilled in a meeting between Tenterfield Shire Council, the Wagner family and some international delegates to meet in the next month.

“The ultimate goal is to create opportunity that will have a flow on effect for Tenterfield.

“We’ll give it a good shot and see what happens – impact and improvement is what drives me,” Mr Salim said.