LNP SENATOR for Queensland Matt Canavan has thrown his support behind a proposal to make live cattle exports from Port Alma a reality within the next three months.
In a media conference in Rockhampton this morning, Mr Canavan said it was apt to have a live export close to the beef capital of Australia.
“I believe our beef producers in Queensland need better returns and the only way to achieve this is through more markets,” he said.
Mr Canavan said there was a growing demand for beef in Asia, and Queensland had the cattle to fulfil this.
Last week Teys Brothers denounced the Port Alma plan, saying it was not good for the region and could result in job losses for the 2400 workers in the meat processing plant.
Mr Canavan said it was possible to have both a strong live export sector and a strong meat processing sector, and one only had to look to Townsville and Darwin.
“You don’t help one industry by making another one weaker. Live cattle and processed beef go to different markets,” he said.
The next two years would be critical for the beef industry to restock and producers would need to have confidence there would be a market at the end, he said.
Meanwhile, state member for Keppel Bruce Young said the phone had been ringing hot since Queensland Country Life ran its story last week.
“I have had phone calls from the Northern Territory to Kyogle welcoming the proposal, so there is a strong interest,” he said.
“However, that interest has to be maintained.”
Mr Young welcomed the support of Mr Canavan and said the project needed federal clout to get up and running.
The project has support from the state government, Gladstone Ports Authority and at least 80 beef producers.
The infrastructure at Port Alma is already in place and all that is needed is a loading ramp, which would cost $60,000.
The idea to re-open Port Alma to live exports began two months ago when Mr Young and agriculture business consultant Peter Watkins teamed up after being frustrated with cattle prices in the region.
The steering committee met this morning to discuss the next move, which follows two exporters from the Northern Territory visiting the port last week.