Inaugural board for Lamb Producers' Co-operative appointed

16/2/99

An important step in the transformation of Western Australia's lamb industry has occurred with the appointment of the inaugural board for a Lamb Producers' Co-operative, Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today.

The co-operative is an outcome from the Transition Advisory Group process, initiatiated by the Minister, to plan and guide the restructuring of the Western Australian Meat Marketing Corporation.

"The new co-operative board has now been finalised in consultation with the WA Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the board of WAMMCO," Mr House said.

"The board will comprise nine individuals including a chairman and will sit until an elected board is in place."

Mr House said the role of the board would be to assess and progress the Transition Advisory Group proposal into a business which would provide the best direct benefits for WA lamb producers.

"In view of the timing imperatives associated with the future of Metro Meat facilities, slaughter contracts and the WAMMCO trading position, this work is to be undertaken as quickly as possible," he said.

"Businessman David Smith has been appointed chairman of the board and he brings with him a wealth of commercial expertise and extensive agribusiness knowledge."

Other appointments to the board are Brad Thomason, Mark Bahen, Dawson Bradford, Mick Quinliven, Graham Nixon, Mike Norton, Max Cameron, and Phil Drage.

"The cumulative skills and expertise of the board members will be well utilised in having a direct and constructive input into the State lamb industry," Mr House said.

"With the finalisation of the co-operative's business plan, the transition with WAMMCO can occur. Until then WAMMCO will continue as a separate operating and trading entity."

Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044