New abattoir sets sights on growth

Written on the 16 August 2016

The first abattoir to operate in the Kimberley in more than two decades will open its doors next month in a major boost for the region's cattle industry.

Yeeda Pastoral Company boss Jack Burton has set down September 9 for the long-awaited official opening of the abattoir between Broome and Derby.

Yeeda has been busy commissioning the plant and gaining final approvals in recent weeks after launching the project in the wake of the 2011 ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia.

Mr Burton and his business partner Mervyn Key will start by producing manufacturing grade beef from cattle too old or unsuitable for live export.

There is expected to be no shortage of numbers as station owners look to clean up their herds and move into producing better-quality cattle

Major investors in the Kimberley cattle industry, including the overseas interests behind a $100 million deal to buy four stations owned by SAWA Pastoral Company, have said they are keen to support the abattoir.

The beef will be trucked south for export from Fremantle. It is understood some will be sold to Jack Cowin's Consolidated Food, the Australian buyer for Burger King in the US.

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Source: The West Australian, Brad Thompson