SHADOW Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Deb Frecklington, has had an ‘up-close’ look at the live cattle export industry when she visited the Townsville Port on Wednesday.
Mrs Frecklington inspected a live-cattle transport vessel at the Townsville Port prior to its departure, and says she came to Townsville to show her support for the sector.
“I have been extremely keen to get on board a live-trade vessel and demonstrate my support for this important market for Queensland graziers,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Having just spent time touring drought affected areas in the central west with Opposition Leader, Lawrence Springborg, it’s clear these communities need our support,” she said.
“Live cattle export provides an alternative market for our primary producers, giving them a chance to diversify and create resilience in their business.
“Results out of the Port of Townsville for live cattle export volumes so far this year provide a definite indication of the relevance of live export.
Volumes of cattle being shipped by exporters have outstripped Darwin for the same period (Jan-Feb) and it appears that they’ll also top last year’s financial year volumes.
She said the live export sector works alongside other markets such as meatworks and feedlots, and is a professional, regulated industry which she supports.
“Unfortunately, for farmers in Australia farm gate prices are generally lower than prices received in third-world economies such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. When compared with the USA and Canada, our producers receive about half.
“Our producers need competition at the farm gate. Competition makes an industry stronger, not weaker.”
