20 September 2012

2 minute read

Oceania

Acting Premier, Bryan Green, said immediate planning for the transport of additional cattle to mainland Tasmania was one of the critical factors that needed to be addressed.

"The State Government is disappointed that the abattoir is closing and we are determined to tackle the issues this has precipitated.

"One of these priorities that was made clear to me when I was on King Island earlier in the week was the need to start planning straight away for the transport of additional cattle to mainland Tasmania."

Mr Green said invitations had been sent to relevant stakeholders to take part in the workshop, including beef producers, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, beef processors, shipping companies, transport contractors, King Island Council, and Meat and Livestock Australia.

The State Government is facilitating the workshop, and representatives from Tasports, the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, and the Department of Economic Development will attend.

"It is envisaged that the agenda will examine a range of issues that will need to be addressed to overcome the transport situation, including assessment of infrastructure requirements, issues with road logistics and what flexibility there is with Meat Standards Australia requirements.

"The State Government takes extremely seriously the need to support beef producers on King Island, and I look forward to this workshop delivering outcomes that can assist with getting additional beef cattle from King Island to mainland Tasmania for processing," Mr Green said.

The workshop will be held on 21 September.

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