JUMBO jets flying to Asia loaded with fresh produce and an influx of tourists to our region are the visions John Wagner has for the Southern Downs.

The new airport at Wellcamp is on schedule to be completed next year, and not even the sky is the limit for the Wagner family, which has invested millions of dollars to build the airport.

John Wagner travelled to Warwick on Friday to talk to local business owners and interested residents about what it will mean for our region.

"It is very difficult to attract investors to invest in a region with no connectivity," Mr Wagner said.

"I think we have been left behind, and need to position ourselves as a region to really capitalise on this export opportunity."

"China and Japan have a merging middle class who want traceability and are prepared to pay for fresh fruit and vegetables," he said.

"There is a growing desire to be able to get fresh produce overnight, to be there the next morning.

"I believe Queensland has really dropped the ball in terms of exportation, and we are remiss if we don't try to jump on board and do something about it."

Mr Wagner also said the Southern Downs had much to offer in terms of tourism, but is being held back by inaccessibility.

"If we work together we can really make a difference over the next couple of years," he said.

"We are working hard to see our region on the map.

"The airport can also cater for all types of industries such as maintenance, corporate offices, transport and logistics."

Mr Wagner said the process of the airport construction had been a battle.

"This is the first airport that has been built in 50 years and I think people just don't understand what we have," he said.

"The mindset of the fickle government bureaucracy is really frustrating."

However, Mr Wagner said he was floored by the positivity from our community.

"I was gobsmacked by the amount of interest here. The room was full," he said.

"It's a multi-generational aspect. We are planning for the future.

"My view in 10 years is that the airport will be a central piece of infrastructure for not only passengers but freight, turning this region into a destination."

Discussions are currently under way with airlines Qantas, Virgin, Tiger, Skytrans and Jetstar.

The 2.87km runway, shorter than Brisbane's by 300m, is due for completion by April 2014.

The terminal is scheduled to be finished at the end of August 2014, with the first commercial flights running by this time next year.

Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the public open day, which will be held on Sunday, November 24.

Mayor Peter Blundell said the Wellcamp airport meant great things for the Southern Downs.

"This is a game-changer for the region," he said.

"It's an absolutely brilliant development, and having access to transport so handily will bring huge benefits."

The council's Economic Development Unit will be establishing a timely export network group.

Call 4681 5527 or email edu@sdrc.qld.gov.au.