The Tasmanian Greens have received an undertaking from the Deputy Premier that a cost-benefit study on a co-operatively owned and operated abattoir on King Island will be among the options explored under a partnership between the State Government and the local council.
Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran MP said the Greens had proposed that a study be done to test the interest in an abattoir co-op as one option for retaining jobs and skills on the island following the departure of JB Swift.
“A wholly owned and controlled farmer co-operative has the potential to empower the King Island community and give producers and workers some control over their destiny and employment security,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“We are pleased that this option is on the agenda for discussions at the workshop to be undertaken under the partnership between the State Government and the King Island Council.”
“The departure of JB Swift is a potentially massive blow for the local economy, and every effort needs to be made that the essential skills that the island’s economy relies on are not lost.”
“The King Island beef brand is the envy of primary producers all over the country, and it would be a tragedy to lose that marketing advantage because of the departure of JB Swift.”
“The successful Western Australian example, WAMMCO, is a wholly owned and controlled farmer owned co-operative with over 2,000 participating premium lamb producers.”
“The Greens have been in recent contact with WAMMCO and we are hopeful we can tap into their expertise during this debate to secure viable farming options for King Island.”
“Setting up an abattoir co-op would certainly not be simple or quick, which is why the groundwork should begin immediately.”
