The Port of Karumba celebrated the resumption of live cattle export as the Finola set sail for Malaysia on the Tuesday morning tide with almost 2000 head aboard.
The industry had been struggling since the 2015 close of Century mine ended the regular dredging of the port but after representations to the state government by local MP Robbie Katter the state-owned dredger has cleared the channel.
Dean Bradford from South East Asia Livestock Services said around 1750 Brahman heifers were loaded onto the boat.
“We have struggled in the last six to eight months to get cattle out due to the dredging issue but we’ve had fantastic support from Robbie Katter to get the dredge here very quickly and getting it open again,” Mr Bradford said.
“This ship will go to Malaysia turn around and go straight back.”
Barry Hughes from the Australian Brahman Breeders Association and president of the Gulf Cattleman’s Association said walking through the yards highlighted the fact they had a great product bred in the Gulf that lends itself to export orders.
“The demand is coming from our close neighbours in regards to their breeding programs,” Mr Hughes said.
“But it also highlights we need much greater commitment from our state government to maintain and improve the infrastructure at the port facility of Karumba to keep the live export trade open and using what we’ve got to take this to the next level.”
Mr Katter said it was good to be in Karumba to see the ship load.
He was delighted the state government announced a $1.7 million dredging package for the port in June after making several parliamentary enquiries.
“Without it, it was a crisis situation facing the Gulf with the loss of jobs and economic activity because of limited access for vessels.”
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
