THE calf was let out of the stall last week, when Port Hedland Export Depot co-owner Paul Brown announced a plan to construct an abattoir to expand services to pastoralists in the Pilbara within five years.
Mr Brown said the site for the abattoir was yet to be determined, but would possibly be near the Port Hedland Export Depot due to its central location on the main transport route, close proximity to the airport, and the port, and would be able to service the needs of pastoralists in a large catchment area if they supported the idea.
The abattoir would provide benefits to producers, who wouldn’t need to transport stock long distances to be processed, and also to the community with additional jobs.
The construction of the abattoir would cost between $10 million and $20m and Mr Brown said he would be seeking investment from a domestic or international joint venture partner.
The announcement was made at the second Live Export Forum held at Port Hedland – hosted by the Pilbara Ports Authority.
Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) live export manager Jon Giles, who led the forum, said the discussions were around how to build on the recent rejuvenation of trade through the port of Port Hedland.
“As part of PPA’s diversification objective, PPA is seeking to build on the success of two live shipments through the port in 2017 totalling 4935 head of cattle,” Mr Giles said.
He said mustering operations in certain areas of the Pilbara continued to be impacted by pooled water from the heavy January/February rains, however “it was hoped that a shipment could occur from Port Hedland as early as June 2018”.
“Pilbara Ports Authority’s commitment to building the live export trade through the port of Port Hedland is good news for pastoralists in the Pilbara region and the livestock industry in general,” Mr Giles said.
In 2017, Pilbara Ports Authority invested in a new cattle loading ramp that enabled cattle to be offloaded from both the top and bottom levels of a cattle truck, facilitating increased loading rates while representing best practice in animal welfare.
Mr Giles said about 40 representatives from the live animal export industry attended the forum, with speakers including Warrick Barrett from export company Austrex, Qube stevedore representative Ben Rose and Mr Brown.
“These organisations were all actively involved in the successful 2017 vessel loadings,” Mr Giles said.
“Matters surrounding animal welfare, safety initiatives and further expansion of infrastructure within the delivery chain were all discussed.
“Views regarding the live export trade were optimistic and attendees agreed that shipments from Port Hedland were beneficial because they reduced travel times for animals, aiding in the delivery of premium cattle, while reducing transport costs for farmers.”
Mr Giles said forum attendees also participated in a tour of the Eastern Port Hedland berth facilities to gain a “first hand” viewing of the new infrastructure and other logistical operations inside the port.
p Geraldton export facility plan announced. See page 16.
