Fletcher Group's planned export abattoir in Great Southern region welcomed

25/11/94

Primary Industry Minister Monty House today welcomed the decision by the Fletcher Group of Companies to establish a multi-million dollar greenfields export abattoir near Mt Barker.

The abattoir is expected to be completed in two years, cost over $20 million and create more than 400 new jobs when operational.

The new abattoir will also create strong competition in the WA livestock industry with 1.5 million sheep and 70,000 cattle a year required for processing over and above current slaughtering levels.

Mr House inspected the site for the planned facility with managing director of the Fletcher Group Mr Roger Fletcher and met with the Albany and Mt Barker Shire Councils this morning.

The Minister has been discussing the possibility of the abattoir with Mr Fletcher for 18 months and has visited the Fletcher Group's abattoir and facilities in Dubbo.

"I am pleased this new investment, expected to be over $20 million, has come from one of Australia's most respected and best performers in the meat processing industry," Mr House said.

"The decision to proceed with this project reflects the efforts by the State Government to restructure the Western Australian meat industry, attract new regional investment and development, and provide greater competition for producers' stock.

"It will also have a major spin off to other service providers around Albany and Mt Barker such as the Albany Port Authority and any central livestock selling facility."

Mr House said he was impressed by the relationship the Fletcher companies developed between producers, markets and the local community.

"Mr Fletcher has outstanding market development expertise with the company exporting its products to more than 75 different countries," he said.

"The group is also very conscious of developing long-term loyalty with clients, customers and how it interacts with the local community over such issues as transport, housing and the environment.

"The company aims to take the same approach in developing this project with a lead time to ensure it is properly planned and managed."

Mr House said the recent abattoir taskforce report had provided information for potential investors such as Mr Fletcher to make a detailed assessment about the viability of an export abattoir enterprise.

The taskforce, chaired by Mr Doug Stoney, identified the Albany-Mt Barker region as one of the most attractive areas in the State to establish a new high-tech export abattoir.

Mr House said the efforts of taskforce members, which included representatives from the Great Southern Development Commission, Albany Chamber of Commerce, Albany Shire Council, Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Trade, primary producers and unions, had been rewarded by today's announcement.

Media contact:  Will Henwood (09) 481 2044