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Find out about proposed South West meat processing precinct
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Groups interested in being part of the establishment of a possible South West meat and agricultural food processing precinct are invited to a briefing session later this month.
To be held at the South West Development Commission's Bunbury office on Monday July 26, the meeting will be a step in a non-binding Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to test the feasibility of the proposed facility.
The South West Region Agrifood Precinct committee, which consists of industry representatives and the South West Development Commission, has asked to hear from groups which are interested in the development of the precinct.
Committee spokesperson Barbara Dunnet said groups could participate in the establishment of the multi-purpose facility through the provision of land, infrastructure, management or investment.
"An economic study found the precinct would ideally be in a light industrial area 1200 to 1400 hectares in size, with abattoirs, boning rooms, effluent system and holding paddocks," she said.
"Though beef processing will be at the core of the facility, it will also accommodate processing for different food products including fish and chicken, and provide room for secondary industries."
Ms Dunnet said the precinct would help the region's beef industry to remain competitive.
"The main issues affecting the beef industry at the moment are lack of capacity to process the livestock currently available for slaughter," she said.
"New facilities will increase capacity, competitiveness and efficiency."
Ms Dunnet said other benefits of the possible processing precinct included increased employment opportunities and greater ability to attract new businesses to the region.
"The precinct would have significant employment potential - some will relocate from existing operations and some will fill newly created positions," she said.
"Overseas and eastern States food processing businesses are likely to be attracted to a purpose-built precinct."
Groups interested in attending the meeting or seeing a copy of the proposal should contact Jon Birch at the South West Development Commission by emailing jon.birch@swdc.wa.gov.au . The EOI period will close on August 5 2010.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille
Watson
Community Relations Officer
M: 0417 961 051
