Hope for abattoir in Waroona
A joint venture between Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart and Milne Agrigroup’s Graham Laitt has paved the way for the possible reopening of the Waroona abattoir.
The $65 million joint venture is designed to lift beef production to meet booming demand in China.
The joint venture company, Liveringa Station Beef will focus on producing high volumes of prime beef for export and it gives Mrs Rinehart a 50 per cent stake in two stations, Liveringa and Nerrima in the heart of the Kimberley.
In the process Mrs Rinehart becomes a co-owner of the defunct Waroona abattoir formerly Clover Meats, once one of the biggest meat processing centres in WA.
But there are no immediate plans to reopen the facility.
Mr Laitt said it was a reserve asset and as demand increased there could be scope to reopen it.
The possibility of the rejuvenation of the abattoir has been welcomed by the Waroona community.
Waroona shire president Christine Germain said she was delighted to hear the announcement.
“It would be great for the economic situation of Waroona if the abattoir was to reopen to provide jobs and bring new people to our town, ” she said.
“When it was operating at its peak about 20 years ago it employed more than 250 people, processed up to 1000 sheep, 600 pigs and 250 cattle per day and was one of the few processors qualified for the Middle East market.
“We are eagerly awaiting more details regarding the proposal and are hoping to meet with Mrs Rinehart to discuss the future of the abattoir and the cattle yards there.
“We will be happy to work with her to see it happen.”
Pastoralists and Graziers Association president Tony Seabrook said it was a huge confidence booster for the industry to see Mrs Rinehart and fellow mining billionaire Andrew Forrest, who recently took over Harvey Beef, leading the emerging boom in WA agriculture.
“They have a strong China and Asia focus and they obviously believe in the future of the cattle industry, ” Mr Seabrook said.
