ABATTOIR CLOSURE ISSUES

ABATTOIR CLOSURE ISSUES

The King Island Council, community representatives and local businesses and industry have
been working determinedly with the State and Federal governments in the weeks following
the shock closure of the JBS abattoir.

Many meetings have been held on and off the island to discuss issues relating to the closure
to try and resolve a complex number of matters arising due to the abattoir loss and the
consequent shipping of some 40,000 head of cattle off the island each year.

Items discussed include the immediate issues of freight logistics, animal welfare, the King
Island brand and support for the people and businesses affected by the closure.

Also discussed was the formation of a 12 to 18 month agreement between Council and the
State Government to address ongoing issues. Items proposed by Council included a
feasibility study into a new abattoir, a freight task analysis, action against energy related
concerns, economic development of existing and new industries on King Island including job
creation and an agricultural study to explore diversification opportunities.

“The officers from the various departments will work closely with Council’s Acting General
Manager, Zoe Behrendt and Economic Development Officer, Jenny Thorn, next week to
scope the content of the agreement and proposed outcomes.”

Support and meetings with political representatives, Minister Bryan Green, Minister David
O’Bryne, Senator Anne Urquhart, Sid Sidebottom, Paul O’Halloran, Will Hodgman & Jeremy
Rockliff have also been welcomed.

Mayor Barratt praised the enormous commitment resilience and support that was being
displayed by community and council representatives.

Council has engaged John Martin, the ex-general manager of Dorset Council and former
King Islander, to assist them through this process.

A meeting of the Peak Group to further the draft agreement between the State Government
and the King Island Council will be held on King Island on 8 October.
King Island Council