A Beef Industry Roundtable was held on Wednesday to help steer the sector through future market challenges, and create more jobs in one of the Territory’s most successful sectors.
Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles, who chaired the meeting, said given the recent closure of AACo’s Livingstone abattoir, the roundtable will be a chance for industry to discuss the future.
“Our cattle industry and related services are a huge contributor to the Territory’s economy – the NT Cattlemen’s Association values them at $1 billion annually - and the buffalo industry is growing exponentially with almost 10,000 exported last financial year,” Mr Vowles said.
“The Government is supporting both industries and this roundtable means I can hear from stakeholders directly, and stakeholders can hear from each other.”
The roundtable will include 15 representatives from the NT Cattlemen’s Association, NT Live Exporters Association, NT Road Transport Association, NT Buffalo Industry Council, the Department of Primary Industry and Resources, the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources and four of the big cattle producers.
“With all these key stakeholders at the table, we will zero in on how we can work together to strengthen our position and create new opportunities,” Mr Vowles said.
“We will discuss a range of topics, from processing and export to growing our markets.
“There is a great future for Territory beef and buffalo, including a range of emerging live export markets in Asia, such as Thailand, the Philippines and China.
“Working together, and building on industry strengths and knowledge, will help secure a bright future for these industries and boost jobs and productivity across the Territory.”
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
