STAND UP FOR KING ISLAND BEEF PROCESSING

The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Minister for Primary Industries to dismiss threats from JB Swift that the company’s Longford abattoir would close if a competitor was established on King Island.

In State Parliament today, Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran said the recent report on the feasibility of meat processing on the island had confirmed the Greens’ view that an on-island abattoir could succeed.

“One of the best models highlighted in the report is a producer owned or partly owned co-operative arrangement, protecting brand, profits and jobs,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“Island residents are frustrated that JB Swift has abandoned the old abattoir and will not make it available for a new processing facility.

“The associated brand new multimillion dollar producer and tax payer funded effluent treatment plant remains unavailable for use.”

“To make matters worse, Swift has threatened to close their Longford operation on the Tasmanian mainland if an abattoir is established on King Island.”

“This is just an attempt at political manipulation by JB Swift, and the Minister should be guided only by what is in the best long term interests of the community.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon Tuesday, 25 June 2013