Linley Valley pork processing centre to enhance WA's international status

23/5/03
A new $8million state-of-the-art pork processing centre will enhance Western Australia's international status as a quality producer and exporter.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today officially opened the WA-based Craig Mostyn Group's $8million Linley Valley Export Pork Processing Centre in Wooroloo.
The new centre, which incorporates best practice techniques and the latest technology, will play a major role in building on the sector's already impressive export growth.
Enhancements include a welfare-friendly pig lairage, minimal stress technology, state-of-the-art carcass scalding equipment and new chilling facilities to maximise the quality and safety of pork for the domestic and export markets.
Mr Chance commended the Craig Mostyn Group for its ongoing commitment to the State's agri-food sector and employment creation in regional WA.
"Expansion of the abattoir facilities will take the number of people employed at the centre to about 200 with 70 per cent coming from the local area," he said.
"The expansion also provides increased employment in associated sectors such as pig production and the service sector in regional WA."
Mr Chance noted there had been a tremendous increase in pork exports from WA in recent years.
"In 1997-98 exports were valued at just $500,000, but by last year they had grown to over $22million and are still increasing," he said.
"Studies have shown that our pig industry is internationally competitive in production, due largely to reliable grain supplies, suitable climate and high health status."
Much of WA's current pork exports are directed to Singapore, which will remain an excellent market for chilled fresh product.
"Our pig producers have worked hard to capture and expand this market and the quality of their pork is highly regarded in Singapore," the Minister said.
"As production increases above the level of demand from Singapore, there will be an opportunity to develop other markets in Asia.
"With its considerable experience in exporting agricultural and fisheries products to Asia, the Craig Mostyn Group is well placed to develop and service these markets."
Mr Chance said it was also important that the pork industry continued to develop innovative ways to match product to consumer needs, to increase the convenience of products, and to increase product exposure to consumers.
"I appreciate this last year has been very tough for the pig industry with the drought increasing feed prices considerably," he said.
"But with a return to normal seasons and with the export market opportunities created by this processing centre, I am confident that the industry can look forward to better times in the years ahead."
Mr Chance reinforced the State Government's commitment to expansion of the pig industry, particularly to replace pork imports and to expand pork exports.
"The WA Department of Agriculture has worked closely with the Craig Mostyn Group at all stages of their expansion into export and will continue to assist as the business develops further," he said.
Minister's office: 9213 6700