Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP
Member for Braddon

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the release of the King Island Livestock Supply Chain Management review, which is the first step of a plan designed to support King Island in maintaining their high quality beef industry after the withdrawal of JB Swift from the Island.

Greens Member for Braddon, Paul O’Halloran MP, said that the review is an important first step in achieving a sustainable and robust future for the island’s beef industry, but said there are still other options being examined, including the possibility of local co-operative being established.

“It’s encouraging to see the Department working with key stakeholders to identify the most effective way to support this transition towards a new business model for King Island, which in the long term should lead to greater security for the local industry and in turn the community,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“Now that this review has outlined recommendations for future logistical needs on King Island, there can be a clear focus on exploring new options, including the potential for a co-operatively owned and run abattoir.”

“The co-operative model of business has proven to be successful for lamb producers in Western Australia, where 2000 farmers own a stake in a wholly locally owned and operated company that has been servicing the market for 35 years, so whether this model would work for King Island deserves serious examination.”

“The capacity is obviously present for this industry to continue and to thrive, and while we are in the process of determining how the future of this industry should be structured, we should also be assessing how we can get the best economic result possible for King Island and Tasmania.”

“The Greens are pleased the value of King Island’s iconic beef industry is being recognised, not only as a local jobs provider, but also as a brand that contributes to the overall reputation Tasmania has as a first class producer of fine food.” said Mr O’Halloran.

December 19, 2012