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Wingham

Australian Abattoirs 26/12/2015 Leave a comment

Wingham abattoir is owned by NH Foods that specialises in the processing of British bred cattle, grass and grainfed into a number of high quality branded products.

Other Names

  • Wingham Beef Exports

Current Operation

  • Aus Meat Accreditation registration dated 29/12/2015 #154 – JWingham beef exports.51
    • registered as a Beef export facility.51
  • Direct employment enquiries to NH Foods

Location   

  • Wingham is located on NSW mid north coast, approximately 260km north of Sydney.

Aust. Wingham

Wingham 001

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

Historical and current meatworks, canneries and abattoirs located in Australia can be viewed at;

Australian abattoirs inactive map

abattoirs_edited-1

Operation

  • Nippon currently own 3 abattoirs in Australia,
  • Wingham processes up to 800 head of grass fed and grainfed animals per day.11
    • 80% are British bred types
  • Developed two programs.11
    1. Wingham Gold MB1
    2. Wingham Golf MB2
  • Livestock are sourced from NSW and Northern Victoria.11
  • Wingham purchases stock directly from producers based on Weight at Works.11
    • Stock are delivered directly from the producer to the processing facility
      • reduces handling and mileage
  • Wingham also purchases from livestock markets in NSW and Victoria.11
  • Export makes up 70-80% of markets.11
    • To Japan, USA, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Russia, Chile, Europe, Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, Indonesia and Switzerland

Wingham logos._edited-2

Wingham Beef Exports Logo Source NH foods Wingham Beef exports

History of  Wingham meat processing facility.

1954

  • April. Taree and Wingham municipal councils meet to consider the establishment of a central killing yard (abattoir) at the current Wingham Bacon factory site that is in operation.7
    • Establishment of the central abattoir would ensure proper inspection of all meat which does not occur at present.7
    • Facility would be operated by the Master butchers and not the council.7
  • July. Establishment of an abattoir would be of great benefit to the beef and dairy industry who currently truck animals to metropolitan and Newcastle markets.8
  • Estimated cost of extensions to the Bacon factory to modernise £80,000 to £100,000.8
  • September. Directors of Manning Co-operative Bacon Society Ltd given the permission of shareholders to raise loans to £100,000.9
    • Proposal was to enter export beef trade.9
    • present factory would meet requirements until new facility is extended.9
    • Expect full operation 2-3 years.9
    • Killing price would need to be satisfactory.10
  • Current output was limited to Commonwealth inspection to fulfill military and naval contracts, or reach markets in the islands or overseas.10
  • Society did not possess a canning licence, thus denied participation in export sausages.10
  • Current bacon factory was having to bring pigs from Lismore and Casino to maintain supply.10
  • Dept. Agriculture and Minister for health had concerns about meat inspection and established centres at.10
    • Wagga
    • Dubbo and
    • Goulburn
    • No funding had been forth coming from the Federal Government to Wingham.10

1974

  • 15% of the abattoir workforce are laid off.22

1978

  • March. District is experiencing biggest flood this century.25
    • River at Taree was 18′ 18 1/4″ and rising.25
    • record floods occured in 1929 19′.25

1994

  • Nippon purchase Wingham (Pg 86).5
    • Wingham is a major beef exports facility.5
    • Tomen sells it’s interest to Nippon.5
      • Major shareholder in Anvic Meat Exports Pty Ltd.5
  • When Nippon purchased Wingham, workers felt more secure in their jobs.22

1996

  • Up to half of NSW abattoirs could close with the loss of up to 5,000 jobs.1
  • Authors Note – Majority of live export cattle during this period would have been Bos Indicus or crosses to South East Asia markets, sourced from mainly northern Australia. Not animals suited to heavy slaughter in Australia and from herds whos’ production was not likely destined for abattoirs in NSW.

LE exports 1990_1998_edited-2Source – Live Cattle Exports. Australian Commodities Vol 5 #2 June 1998

 Chart showing the high volume of South East Asia live cattle export destinations period 1990 – 1998

1997

  • Nippon has invested $200M in abattoirs and feedlots over the previous decade(Pg 86).5
    • 3rd Largest meat processor in Australia.5
    • Exporting to 34 countries.5

NH foods Oakey export_edited-1

NH Foods holdings. Source www.nh-foods.com.au – General Information accessed 21/12/2015

2000

  • September. Abattoir upgrade will be done in 3 stages over 6 years.16
    • Stage 1. extension to house 6 new side beef chillers.16
      • There are currently 7 chillers, some will be converted and used to include the new chillers
      • Chilling capacity will be 1,200 carcases a day
      • Boning room extension will be conducted
      • Construction of a 35ML storage pond
    • completion date March 2001.16

2003

  • Dairy Regional Assistance Program provided funding for improvements to infrastructure – $58M.14
    • Biggenden Meat Works Expansion  $208,230.
    • Casino Value Adding meat project   $801,724.
    • Midfield Meats Bull rearing and Processing plant $271,150
    • Nolan Meats Expansion and Value adding $1,595,000.
    • Scone abattoir expansion project $1,100,000.
    • Wingham abattoir project $990,000.
  • April. Wingham operate a rendering plant at Macksville that processes by products.11
    • Various items are offered for auction at the Macksville site.17

 

2008

  • June. Enterprise Bargaining Agreement EA08/20 is approved.13
    • Wingham Beef Exports  and AMIEU collective Agreement.13
    • Effective for 3 years.13

2009

  • AMIEU meet with major meat processors and the AMIC to seek public support to change the live animal export policy.40
    • Employers talked alot but did not commit to assisting the union to assist in campaigns to wind back live animal exports.40
    • AMIEU later joined with Animal welfare organisations to change Labour government position.40

2010

IBIS Jun 2010_edited-1

Major Companies in the Australian Red meat processing industry

Source IBIS world June 2010

2011

  • June. NSW experiences flash flooding in Clarence Valley, Upper Hunter, Bellingen Shire and Kempsey.19
    • Manning peaked at higher than expected level of 4.3m.19
  • August. Wingham conduct research assessing dewatered paunch waste co-combustion in boilers.20
  • Operation changes mean 86 casuals will be put off.21
    • 61 workers within the week and 25 jobs to be phased out.21
  • Wingham normally employs over 400 people.21
    • Largest employer in Wingham.21
    • Federal Government established a rapid response team to assist people to retrain and access support.21
  • Alot of people have careers developed through the facility.22
    • high focus on training.22

2012

  •  November. Australia’s negotiations with Korean beef export market need to be finalised.43
    • Korean Beef trade is worth $770M.43
    • Delays have stalled with Gillard insistance that an Investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism in the agreement be excluded.43
    • Korea is Australia’s 3rd largest beef export market.43
      • 2011 146,347 tonnes
      • 15% of Australia’s global beef exports
      • Currently 49% of Korean beef imports
    • Delays in FTA are causing high costs to processors.43
  • Australia’s market position would decline dramatically in 2013 to Korea if the EFT is not finalised soon.43
    • US beef has significant advantages over Australia.43
      • January 2015 will seee US gain a 5.3% tariff advantage
        • Australian been incures 40% tariff to Korea
      • Tariff widens 2.66% each January
        • US entering Korea Tariff free 2026
    • If the FTA is not finalised with similar tariff to US markets.43
      • Australia will incur cumulative loss A$1.4B over 15 years
      • Australia’s share of Korean market falling from current 49% to 26% in 2026.

 Profit Margins_edited-1Nippon Meat Packers Revenue Source IBIS world 2010,2013

revenue_edited-1

Nippon Meat Packers Profit Earnings Source IBIS world 2010,2013

2013

  • Wingham win 3 awards at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine show for its product – Manning Valley Naturally Beef.2
  • March. NSW coastal river valleys suffer heavy rainfall and flooding.23
    • Particularly areas around Wingham.23
    • Up to 190mm in one day.23

2014

  •  Nippon Meat Packers Pty Ltd changes name to NH Foods.44
  • Logo NH oakey exports_edited-1

    NH Foods Australia Logo Source  www.nh-foods.com.au

 

  • February. Far West NSW  is suffering severe drought.24
  • April Frozen beef shipments to Russia are temporarily suspended from 07/04/2014.26
    • A similar suspension occurred 31/03/2014 for chilled beef.26
    • Temporary suspension of beef offal imports occurred 27/01/2014.26
  • Wingham exports meat to Russia, along with another 29 Australian establishments.26
    • Australia placed additional requirements on its testing requirements.26
    • Russia detected Trenbolone 21/03/2014.26
    • Australian authorities held an immediate meeting with Russian counterparts.26
      • providing details of testing and invited Russia to inspect Australian meat establishments.26
      • Trenbolone is not produced from cattle treated with HGP’s.26
      • Russia has a zero tolerance, most countries have a maximum residue limit.26
    • Russia placed new requirements of detection of Trenbolone.26
  • Russia may consider Asia, Chinese port and Indian buffalo meat imports to replace decrease is supplies from the US, European union and Australia.26
  • Australia has been a traditional beef exporter to Russia since the 1970’s.26
    • To July 2012 – June 2013 exported 24,000 tonnes
    • To July 2013 – February 2014 20,000t
    • Trade is worth more than $170M a year
    • Russia is a declining market for Australian beef exports
    • Calendar year to date Russia taken only 1,221t beef
    • Full year exports 2010 and 2011 topped 60,000 tonnes
  • Some workers rally in Wingham for a pay increase 17/04/2014.27
    • 300 workers striked.29
  • 24 hour strike started midnight by workers .28
    • 130 employees arrived for work, plant is in operation.27
    • 20 workers were striking at Wirrimbi, rending and cold storage facility near Macksville.28
    • Negotiations have been going on for several months in regards to EBA.27
    • Enterprise bargaining had been going on for 30 weeks.28
      • Eight months negotiating.29
    • Offer made to the unions in November 2013.28
    • Subsequent offer was made.28
      • common ground reached on many areas.27
        • except public holidays and overall wage increases.27
    • Workers want 5% increase for lowest paid workers in first year.27
      • 4% in each of the following 2 years.27
      • 80% of the workforce under lower pay agreement.27
      • Currently earn $17.20/hr.27
        • end of 3 years they would be paid $19/hr.27
          • Less than other export companies.27
      • Company had offered 9% increase last year but lose about 12% in offsets.27
        • removed payment of rostered days off.28
        • extend the ordinary working day.28
        • remove butcher’s picnic, which is a union picnic day.28
    • Boners, slicers and slaughtermen want 3.5% in first year.27
      • 3% in each of the following 2 years.27
  • Management of Wingham Beef Exports were continuing with negotations
    • entitlements that were to be traded for wage increases were ananchronistic.28
    • Modern working conditions are needed for the facility to be viable.28
  • Workers picketed 28/04/2014.30
  • May. Workers vote to continue with industrial dispute.31
  • Rolling stoppages – ban on overtime.33
    • Companies latest offer for lowest paid 4% first year.31
      • 3.5% second year
      • 3% third year
      • 3% fourth year
    • Highest paid workers to 3.25% first year.31
  • Ballot will be conducted 13/05/2014.31
  • June. Wage dispute is concluded, Ballot results.33
    • 175 workers voted yes – majority of 60%.33
    • 115 workers voted no.33
  • Lowest paid 13.5% wage increase over 4 years.33
  • Highest paid 12.25%.33
  • Wages would be effective from 29/06/2014 if accepted by the Fair Work Commission.33
  • Industrial action and overtime bans would now be lifted allowing full capacity production.33
    • current backlog of supply of cattle.33
  • Large percentage of product is HGP free2
  • China demand is increasing for forequarter and hindquarter2
    • including loin cuts, bones2
    • China buying quarters to process further once product is in China.2
    • Chinese meat processing plants are currently ruuning at 30 below capacity or less3
    • Note – other reports say China’s current processing capacity is only operating at 20-30%
      • Currently state-of-the-art plants in China with Germon technology just closed up
      • Quartered carcases offer an opportunity to better utilise their facilities3
      • By-passes costs in Australia by as much as 30%3
      • Australian processes are mainly configured for boxed packaging3
      • China was currently limited to frozen exports, chilled sales been suspended since September 2013 due to review of import protocols and health certifications3
  • Wingham is processing 600-650 cattle per day2
  • Very high cow kill numbers being currently processed are response to dry conditions2
    • likely to reduce in the coming year2
  • Construction and Infrastructure improvements $6M.39
  • Stage 1 – Truck access and turning area.39
  • Stage 2 Demolition of existing freezer area and construction of new plate freezing and packaging system.39
    • Expected completion June 2015
  • Stage 3 Construction of new cold storage and loading facility.39
    • Final completion expected September 2015
  • All construction will take place with fully operational facility allowing truck and pedestrian movement.39

 

  • July. Australia is on the verge of finalising a FTA with Japan.34
    • 97% of exporters set to get preferential treatment or be duty free.34
    • Japan’s standard 38.5% tariff on frozen beef will be cut to 19.5%.34
    • Fresh beef exports tariff will drop to 23.5% over the next 15 years.34
    • Beef Offal, worth $167M will also have reduced tariff and increased quota.34
  • Korea-Australia Free trade agreement enters into force 12/12/2014.45
    • Initially an immediate cut to some tariffs with a further cut 01/01/2015.45

 

  • December. construction will commence this month freezer facility at Wingham.36
    • more efficent plate freezing equipment will be used.36
    • quieter, cleaner and with significantly reduced environmental impact.36
    • will triple the plant’s holding capacity.36
    • provide better working conditions in the loadout area.36

Manning river_edited-1
Artist impression of the Freezer facility upgrades at Wingham Beef Exports. Source Manning River Times.

 

  • Branded product – Manning Valley Naturally is exported to Japan, USA, China, Korea and some domestic major supermarkets.36

Wingham logos._edited-1

Manning Valley Naturally – Wingham Beef Exports.

 2015

  •  January. MLA forecast.50
  • Australian cattle herd has gone from 35 year high (2013) to 20 year low (2015).50
  • Australian cattle herd slip to 26.8M head by June 2015
  • by 2016 expected decline to 26.5M head
  • by 2020 27.9M head
    • Adult cattle slaughter expected to slump 15% year on year.50
      • 2015 to 7.8M head
      • 2020 expected 7.9M slaughter
      • Long term Female average in 2014 52%
        • Normally female kill percentage 47%
          • Only in years 1977, 1998 & 2003 has female kill been above 50%
  • Beef exports record levels in 2014 1.39M tonnes shipped weight.50
    • Expected to drop 20% to 1.3M tonnes in 2015
  • March. Wingham currently employs 480 workers.37
  • Wingham is operating under Thomas Borthwicks and Sons (Australia) Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2011.37
  • Foreign ownership of Australian red meat processing facilities

Nippon share_edited-1

Share of Australian red meat processing

Source The Stock Standard. VFF March 2015

 

NSW abattoir capacities Dept ag consolidation_edited-1

Capacity of major beef abattoirs in NSW. Pg 15

T2 Throughput state beef_edited-1

Share of throughput by state for beef in 2014. Pg 16

T4 processing companies market share_edited-1

Major Processing companies by market share May 2015. Pg 16

M4 direct cattle movements NLIS QLD_edited-1

Cattle Movements to abattoirs. Pg 25

F12 hourly labour costs food manufacturing_edited-1

Hourly labour costs for food manufacturing industry Pg 30

  • China current tariffs on Australian beef, sheep and goat meat, offal and hides amounts to $826M.49
    • Tariffs will be removed over the next 9 years.49
      • Add $270M a year to beef production.49
        • Flow to producers 8c/kg
      • Add $150M a year to sheep production.49
        • Flow to producers 13-26c/kg
    • NZ signed deal with China in 2008 and already 2 tariff reductions ahead of Australia, being tariff free end of 2016.49
  • China have interests in abattoirs in Australia and use Australian workers.49
  • Fear that the Chinese FTA could allow projects of investments of greater than $150M  to bring in workers with no market testing.49
    • Required to pay minimum Australian rates.49
  • December. American Trim market dropped significantly the last few months.46
    • some processors going into the red
  • Predicts Asian markets opportunities will emerge.46
    • more value add on products
    • Meatworks will look to expand to enable ability to use more of the carcase
    • will see every harvestable portion of organs to be packed

 

  • ATO publishes tax data for agribusiness corporates.47
    • Data interpretation – Companies do not pay company tax on revenue (total income) they pay on profits after paying all expenses, including wages, capital replacement, supplier costs and other operating expenses.47
    • Income tax information is for 2013/14.47
  • NH Foods produced Total Income $845,824.273.47
    • Nil taxable income and nil tax payable.47

 

  • AMIEU express concern that major meat processors in NSW have not challenged the current Turnball Governments advertising campaign supporting the FTA agreement with China and the Trans Pacific Partnership.40
    • Thomas Food International,
    • Wingham Beef Exports
    • Northern Co-operative meat company
    • Bindaree Beef
  • AMIEU had approached meat processors in 2009 to lobby to wind back live animal exports.40
  • China’s FTA agreement could mean 1M head live cattle.40
    • 1M head less cattle could mean 3,000 Australian meat workers out of work.40
    • China’s FTA will not deliver jobs to the processing sector.40

2016

  • January. KAFTA third round of tariff cuts occur 01/01/2016.48
    • Fresh, chilled and frozen beef has a current tariff 34.6%.48
      • Will reduce to 32%
      • Original level was 40%
      • Meat export is worth $A1.07B in 2014/15
      • Korea has always been one of biggest meat export markets
        • Shipments for lamb have increased 35%

Sources Wingham (NSW) meat processing facility.

  1. ‘5,000 jobs at risk: Abattoirs facing closure’ Sydney Morning Herald 21.05.1996
  2. ‘Export demand grows for Wingham’s HGP – free beef’ QLD Country Life 26.06.2014
  3. ‘China’s hunger for Aussie beef’ QLD Country Life 26.06.2014
  4. ‘China live cattle exports a strong chance’ QLD Country life 26.06.2014
  5. ‘World on a plate – A history of meat processing in Australia’ Stephen Martyn.2014
  6. ‘Meat Processing in Australia’ IBIS World. June 2010
  7. ‘Want central abattoir at Wingham’ www.trove.nla.gov.au 02.04.1954
  8. ‘Meatworks proposed at Wingham’ www.trove.nla.gov.au 30.07.1954
  9. ‘Wingham abattoir loan authorised’ www.trove.nla.gov.au 24.09.1954
  10. ‘Wingham’s 100,000 pound Abattoir plan’ www.trove.nla.gov.au 24.09.1954
  11. NH foods Wingham Beef exports
  12. Australian Premium Brands. NH Foods
  13. Wingham Beef Export 2008 wages agreement
  14. Dairy Regional Assistance Program. Parliament. 04.02.2003
  15. www.cattlefacts.com.au 03.06.2008
  16. www.cordellconnect.com.au
  17. www.steers.com.au 30.04.2003
  18. NSW beef production trends 2006
  19. ‘NSW Flash flooding’ www.poleshift.ning.com 16.05.2011
  20. ‘Use of paunch waste as boiler fuel’ MLA August 2011
  21. ‘Wingham Beef Exports’ ABC News 15.08.2011
  22. ‘3 Generations notch up 214 years with Wingham abattoir’ Wingham Chronicle 04.04.2012
  23. ‘Yet more floods in NSW’ ABC Rural 04.03.2013
  24. ‘Emergency Drought Assistance package extended’ Manning River Times 12.02.2014
  25. ‘Throwback Thursday – 1978 Flood’ Manning River Times 20.02.2014
  26. ‘Update on Russia’s suspension on Australian beef’ Beef Central 03.04.2014
  27. ‘Wingham Beef workers protest’ Manning River Times 17.04.2014
  28. ‘Hundreds of workers from the Wingham Beef abattoir west of Taree are on strike’ ABC News 17.04.2014
  29. ‘Mid North coast mental health nurses…..’ ABC News 28.04.2014
  30. ‘Wingham abattoir workers on strike’ AMIEU 30.04.2014
  31. ‘Wingham Beef export workers to vote on new pay offer next week’ ABC News 07.05.2014
  32. MLA MSA Licensed Plants 06.06.2014
  33. ‘Wingham Beef wage dispute resolved’ The Land 20.06.2014
  34. ‘Australia’s free trade agreement with Japan could see prices fall for consumers’ www.news.com 08.07.2014
  35. ‘Inland QLD and NSW communities face second driest year on record’ ABC News 19.11.2014
  36. ‘Industry-leading freezer for Wingham abattoir’ Manning river times 05.12.2014
  37. Teys submission to Productivity Inquiry. March 2015
  38. Dept Ag. Submission to Market consolidation and the red meat processing sector July 2015
  39. ‘Wingham Beef exports’ Total construction Sept 2015
  40. ‘No Livestock means no work’ AMIEU 21.12.2015
  41. www.winghambeefweek.com.au
  42. ‘Nippon Ham plans to invest $250M overseas’ www.asia.nikki.com
  43. ‘Korean beef trade under threat’ The Land 14.11.2012
  44. www.nh-foods.com.au. Name change
  45. Trade Minister Media release 03.12.2014
  46. ‘Mackay meatworks gets ready to compete….’ ABC Rural 17.12.2015
  47. ‘ATO publishes tax data for agribusiness corporates’ Beef Central 18.12.2015
  48. ‘Korea cuts import tariffs further’ www.farmonline.com.au 01/01/2016
  49. ‘Meat producers call for ratification of the China free trade deal, while union delay over jobs’ ABC Rural 31.07.2015
  50. ‘MLA forecasts beef market adjustment’ The Land 27.01.2015
  51. AUS-MEAT Accreditation Listing 29.12.2015

Rockhampton – Lakes Creek

Australian Abattoirs, Beef processing abattoir, Queensland abattoirs - regions, Queensland list A-Z, Rockhampton, Southern QLD 26/03/2015 Leave a comment

There is a historical Lakes Creek abattoir and the current facility that Teys operate at Rockhampton. It is not clear if the two sites are the same location or one was dismantled and another built.

Other Names

  • Rockhampton abattoir – there is another facility in Rockhampton operated by JBS, Rockhampton (QLD – JBS)
  • Lakes Creek abattoir

Current Operation

  • Aus Meat Accreditation registration dated 29/12/2015 #7 – Teys Australia Meat Group Pty Ltd.45
    • registered as a Beef, Offal export facility.45
  • Direct employment enquiries to Teys Employment Information

Location   Owner

Teys Logo_edited-1Source http://www.teysaust.com.au. the Teys-Cargill Australia Logo

Operation

  • Teys operate 3 feedlots12
    • Jindalee (NSW)12
    • Condamine (QLD)12
    • Charlton (Vic)12
  • Hide Processing Facility in Murgon12
  • Value adding facilities12
    • Hemmant – Produces cooked deli smallgoods and convenience meals12
    • Wagga Wagga – produces case ready goods for retail12

For employment information go to  Teys Employment Information

Other historical and current meat processing facilities located in Australia can be viewed at;

Australian abattoirs inactive map

abattoirs_edited-1

 

History of Rockhampton – Lakes Creek #7

1871

  • The Lakes Creek abattoir was built.(Pg 261)15
    • Owned by an English company – Central Queensland Meat Export Company15
  • Operated as a cannery35
  • The plant was a dominent element in the regions economy40
    • at this time Lakes Creek was a company town40
    • meatworks built housing for its employees40

1872

  • Lakes Creek processes three quarters of all the sheep processed by Queensland canneries (Pg 39)35
  • Facility was heavily in debt due to mainly expenses associated with the Jone patent process (Pg 39)35
    • authors note – I have not found what this patent was but assume it was to do with the technology and process of canning meat.

1874

  • April. company was bankrupt35
  • Enforced closure of the facility due to the high price of cattle. (Pg 261)15
    • Remained idle until 187715

1877

  • Facility was purchased by liquidators of Whitehead & Co. (Pg 261)15
    • Proposal was to move boiling downs works that Whitehead’s owned from Laurel Bank to Lakes Creek.15
    • Whitehead & Co also owned a meatworks at Ramornie (NSW, near Grafton)15
    • Whitehead & Co had a contract to supply 2M lb of preserved meats to the French Government but had been unable to obtain sufficent cattle in NSW to fill the contract15

1880

  • Whitehead & co went into liquidation (Pg 261)15
    • closure was stated as not being the fault of the Lakes Creek operation itself15
  • A second Central QLD Meat Export Co. was formed and reopened the works (Pg 261)15

1883

  • A freezing plant was added (Pg 261)15
  • September this year the chambers were full of frozen meat for the pioneering enterprise of exporting frozen product on the Fiado. The Ship was late and a fire went through the facility15
    • Opportunity had been robbed of Lakes Creek the honour of sending the first consignment to Britian15
      • In 1884 the first cargo of frozen meat was loaded from Bowen but a cyclone stranded the vessel, destroyed the product and the Bowen works.(Pg 262)15
      • The first frozen consignments from Australia didn’t occur until 1896.15
    • 200 employees were out of work15

1884

  • Works resumed operations (Pg 261)15

1885

  • Company went into liquidation (Pg 261)15
    • Due mainly to the expense of rebuilding and installing imported plant equipment15

1886

  • Melbourne Syndicate took the facility over (Pg 261)15
    • Andrew Rowan, George Fairbairn and John Living15

1901

  • Facility was purchased by a company formed in London (Pg 261)15

1910’s

  • Tinned beef was a staple ration for war soldiers in WWI40
    • accompanied by hard tack biscuits40
    • Bully Beef – corruption of the French name “bouilli” meaning boiled or corned, referenced to small hard grains of salt used to preserve the meat40
  • Rockhampton produced various tinned labels – Herford, Devon (not the  pork based luncheon meat of that name) and Hamper40
    • including frozen sides meat for export and domestic butcher shops40
  • All parts of the animal were used40
    • what was not edible was processed into fertiliser and by-products40

1918

  • Major flood year

1928

  • Facility was idle due to the strain of the post war depression (Pg 261)15
    • meat market was very dull15
  • Facility then went to a syndicate headed by Sir William Angliss and FJ Walker (Pg 261)15
    • Operated under their control until 193415

1934

  • Vesteys, British based but international organisation purchased Lakes Creek. (Pg 261)15
  • Facility began to prosper due to the Empire preference granted under the Ottawa Agreement (pg 261)15
    • The Imperial Preference was a series of bilateral agreements of limited tarriffs within the British Empire but higher on goods from the rest of the world. Principal was based on “home producers first, empire producers second, and foreign producers last”16
  • Improved plant, chilling, freezing and processing facilities were established over the coming years.(Pg 261)15
  • By products were saved and processed(Pg 261)15

1938

  • Lakes Creek is paying 4/ per 100lb14
    • authors note – I think the / is shillings.
  • Northern Graziers are complaining of the high costs of freight and low price that Townsville abattoir is paying.14
    • They call for a public abattoir to be established and operated by the government in Townsville.1
      • To operated under the Abattoirs Bill that allowed government to acquire operate the Canon Hill facilities in Brisbane, enacted in 1934 (Pg 264)16

1946

  • Teys formed as a partnership of 4 brothers to process meat for wholesaling and retailing13

1949

  • Queensland herd was deminished due to demands of Australia feeding Allied forces in WWII40
  • Plans were being pushed to develope the channel country in the west and increase QLD’s beef-raising capacity40

1950’s

  • Canned meat, known as bully beef, tinned corn meat was being boxed and sealed on hands-on assembly lines40
    • refer Year 1910 for more info.

packing tinned meats._edited-1Source ‘Bully for our Beef exports’ The Courier Mail 17.07.2011 Workers packing corned beef into cartons at Lakes Creek meatworks

1954

  • February 3. Season commenced38
    • Ended December 1738
    • Flooding Between February 11 to 22 of Fitzroy river system38
    • Killing season 1954 constituted a record38
    • “Meat supplies were maintained but killing took place in the abattoir surrounded by water to a depth of 2 feet”41
  • Facility was undergoing extensive alterations and improvements to beef killing floor38
    • When completed the killing floor would be one of the most modern in Australia38
    • Handle greater throughput38
    • OH & S issues improved38
  • Pigs killed at the facility had also increased on 1953.38
  • Queensland cattle herds had recovered from dry conditions during most of 1951.38
    • Channel Country was underutilised due to lack of quick and commercial transport for cattle38
    • Cattle were grown out to large framed animals to withstand long walking distances38
      • These animals were not the preferred types for killing38
      • UL introduced – Baby Beef grade38
        • significantly effected  producers to turn off younger animals with lighter frame38

1958

  • Daily processing capacity 987 head of cattle. (Pg 261)15

1991

  • Major flood year

2001

  • Employed 1,350 people18
  • Currently the second largest abattoir in Australia18
  • December. CMG lock out workers to force them to accept wage cuts, a six day production schedule and unlimited overtime22
    • Meat workers were forced back to work under a federal award that was $320 in wage cut for some workers22

2002

  • January. Management refused to open works18
  • March 2. Protesters march through the CBD of Rockhampton in support of the 1350 workers who lost their jobs when the plant closed in mid January.24
    • AMIEU called for mass protest24
      • AMIEU demanding re-opening and reinstatement of the workers without massive cuts to pay and conditions.24
      • supported by the Construction, Mining & Energy , Forestry & Manufacturing workers  unions24
  • April. Lakes Creek abattoir is locked into a bitter dispute over pay and conditions between the now owner Consolidated Meat Group (Kerry Packer) and the Australasian Meat Industry Employees’ Association.17
  • Facility will not be re-opening as early as planned17
  • May. Facility reopened but cut the workforce back to 70018
  • June. Plant was planned to be shut down entirely18
  • July 11. Workers begin a 5 day strike and re-establish a picket line outside the plant22
    • Strike is about production levels in the boning room and is part of a ongoing dispute of conditions of new work agreement22
  • July 30. Facility is offically closed.25
  • August. Negotiation had been occuring for an Enterprise bargain agreement for the last 8 months18
  • Consolidated Meat had come to agreement on Terms with Teys $1.2B joint venture to operate, Naracoote (SA), Beenleigh, Biloela and Innisfail (QLD)18
    • Deal to take effect in October18
    • Company had promised full severence pay but it would be at the lowest agreed rates18
    • Consolidated Meat had been awarded with $20M US Beef Quotas18
    • Governments Scheme based on 2001 rates, 40,000t known as the “Packer clause”18
      • Lakes Creek only produced 3,000t since June 200218
      • 2001 they had produced 49,000t18
      • quota flows into the merger entity18
      • Consolidated Meat will receive same quota in 2003 even though plant would be close.18
  • Abattoir is closed at this point in time 20/08/200219
    • It did open for short periods but had ongoing industrial disputes with protected industrial action begin taken19
    • Variety of owners of Lakes Creek plant had been unprofitable over the last decade19
  • ACCC investigate if merger of CMG and Teys would lead to reduced competition in terms of prices for cattle20
    • ACCC decide not to interven in proposed merger20
  • November. Jim Downey is appointed general manager at the plant21
    • Had been plant manager at Biloela21
    • Plant was still closed but undergoing major installations21
  • Drought was the single biggest factor now determining Lakes Creek operation21

2004

  • July. After nearly 2 years of being closed Lakes Creek re-opens25
    • 160 workers will start when the first kill takes place25
    • boning room will then begin employee numbers to be more than 300 in total25
      • Intention is to start with small production, settle the plant and make sure problems can be solved23
      • $1M in pay cheques will be injected into the community each month from the start up.23
    • Facility will gradually build towards a kill capacity of 2,500 head and employ 1,000 people.25
  • 6 weeks prior to opening Teys had been finalising plans to re-open and purchasing stock25
  • Profit margins for the processing sector currently as high as $150 a head25
    • Fallen due to a stronger Aussie dollar and the falling price of Japanese full sets.25
  • Originally the plant had been planned to open later in the year but successful negotiations with the AMIEU helped to bring the opening forward to July25
  • Re-opening was said not to be influenced by the risk of losing US export licences25
  • Lakes Creek had applied and received $660,000 – Under Regional Partnership grant.26
    • Assisted the facility to go back into business26
    • Funds were used to upgrade computer system and plumbing26
    • 2 other meatworks in the region, and operating didn’t receive the grant26
    • Labor criticised the Government for providing taxpayers money to a commercial venture that could give an unfair advantage26

2005

  • A shortage of skilled workers in Australia forces the company to look overseas29
    • People had been lost to the meatworks who have gone to the mining industry29
    • 60 vietnamese begin working at Lakes Creek29
    • Joining the 97 Brazilians already there29

2006

  • CMG implemented industry award27
    • Required to cut it’s 1,300 workers wages by 30% to remain competitive in the tightening beef export market27
    • CMG attempted to draw up new rosters that included27
      • night time and Saturday shifts without penalty rates27
        • Exceeded 38 hour cap27
    • Union workers voted against the new proposal and would only return to work on genuine award conditions.27

2009

  • December. Facility is considering job cuts over the next few weeks42
  • General Manager – Wasantha Mudannayake42
    • Reason for need to reduce jobs was livestock numbers had dropped due to overseas exports42
  • Biloela abattoir (QLD) – also owned and operated by Teys announced cutting of 40 foreign workers jobs42

2010

  • February.Tom Macquire – General Manager of corporate affairs for Teys Bros28
  • Lakes reopened after being closed for a short period following heavy rain.28
  • Currently employing 760 people28
  • Between April 2010 to February 2012 – Teys Employ 480 humanitarian refugees29
    • “Without humanitarian and skilled migrants Teys would find it very hard to continue production at sustainable levels at some sites, particularly in Rockhampton and Biloela”29
  • Since 1982 approximately 31 abattoirs have closed across Queensland30
    • Slaughter capacity had increased by 50%30
    • QLD meat processors forefront in adopting improved practices and technologies30
  • Last 2-3 years30
    • competition has come from restockers and live cattle exporters30
    • Lower export beef prices as a result of higher Australian dollar30
    • Export abattoirs have reduced throughput and cut shifts and the number of killing days.30
  • Major flood year

2011

  • July. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) don’t oppose Teys Bros & Cargill Beef Australia Merger42
    • View that the proposed merger would be unlikely to substantially lesson competition in any of the markets examined42
      • ‘fat’ cattle ready for slaughter42
      • acquisition of ‘feeder’ cattle destined for feedlots42
      • supply of processed beef to retailers and wholesalers42
  • Teys CEO – Brad Teys – says been 30 years since he’s seen cattle supply so tight44
    • Producer’s aren’t selling cattle44
      • due to poor prices44
        • forced the company to reduce kill days44
      • Rocky is working on 3 days a week kill44
  • September. Teys forms partnership with Cargill37
  • Federal Government Carbon tax legislation36
    • Creates a 2 tier system with those who generate more than 25,000 t of carbon each year to pay more36
      • Basic  costs would be $4 per head for all facilities36
    • Lakes Creek exceeds 25,000 threshold – would be liable to pay higher permit costs36
      • extra $2 head, adding up to extra $7M across Teys/Cargil enterprise.36
    • Abattoirs are energy-intensive business, Trade exposed, with export constituting majority of total production, narrow profit margins36
      • Carbon tax would disadvantage Australian facilities36
    • Government indicated there would be assistance for to introduce measures to reduce emissions to assit processors36

2012

  • Between April 2010 to February 2012 – Teys Employed 480 humanitarian refugees29
    • By February 306 were still actively employed29
  • December. AMIEU was investigating reports of working conditions of 100 workers who were part of the humanitarian program29

2013

  • March. Lakes Creek facility receives a grant from the Federal Government $4.17 for operational upgrades.31
    • Governments Clean Technology Food and Foundaries Investment Program31
    • Will assist Teys to improve competitiveness, local economy and environment.31
  • Upgrades begin of the waste water treatment plant39
    • involve building a new waste water treatment lagoons and installing a biogas boiler and handling equipment39
    • Methane emitted during the waste water treatment will be used to generate steam used at the facility39
    • reduce the facilities coal consumption by 30%39
    • Upgrade set to be completed by June 201539
    • Cost $16M39
  • Lakes Creek facility receives the Ministers Enterprise Award as part of the QLD state government’s annual Multicultural Awards for cultutal diversity10
    • Award recognises work and and volunteering efforts that develop strong, culturally diverse communities and promote awareness of the benefits of the cultural diversity in the state.10
  • Teys employed 4,500 across Australia10
    • Simply not enough local workers to operate the plants10
    • International workers were needed to fill the spaces10
  • In Rockhampton the mining boom left plants wth an employment shortfall10
    • Lakes Creek employs more than 1,000 people of 29 different nationalities10
    • Employ a significant number of humanitarian refugees and supports induction and training practices that assist new workers10
    • partnerships with settlement service providers and other groups in the community to employ and assist the workers.10

2014

  • June. Teys lobby government to repeal the Carbon tax11 Teys Media Release to repeal carbon tax
    • “Manufacturers are closing down across the country due to unnecessary costs and charges on business” Tom Maguire Teys general manager of corporate affairs.11
    • countries Australia competes against do not have the burden of the carbon tax11
    • there is a direct link between the Carbon tax and competitiveness in the market place11
  • July. Rockhampton meatworks in the area employ more than 2,000 people1
    • Added more than $600M into the community1
  • Teys don’t support establishment of a live cattle export port at Port Alma (Rockhampton)1
  • Would be better for politicians to look at transport costs within Australia1.
    • currently costs $14M a year to rail product from Rockhampton and Biloela to the Port of Brisbane1
    • Development of a port at Rockhampton and Gladstone for shipment of containers would be better.1

unions 2012_edited-2Source The Bulletin. 01.12.2012

The Lakes Creek abattoir, Rockhampton. Queensland

2014

  • Teys is inducted into QLD business leaders hall of fame.32
  • Teys currently process 32,000 cattle per week across Australia32
    • Generates a turnover of $2.5B annually32

2015

  • February. Newly elected QLD Agriculture Minister – Bill Byrne said he “supported the live cattle trade under appropriate circumstances, but it would likely threaten the viability of the processors and value-adding of the local meat processing industry“2
  • Cyclone Marcia hits Rockhampton 20/02/2015.3
    • 47,000 homes with no electricity3
    • Damage to buildings, bridges, destruction of crops and fencing.3
    • Flood levels were already high in Callide Valley and exacerbated by release of water from Callide Dam3
  • Lakes Creek abattoir suffers some minor damage to the roofing of the head office building3
  • Facility closed and wouldn’t likely operate for the rest of that week3
    • Plant and Equipment are OK3
    • most significant impact is no power, sewerage and water3
    • Until those services are restored the plant can’t operate3
    • Temporary amenities facilities had to be installed because of damage to existing ones9
  • Chilled and Frozen product was being maintained by generators3
  • Number of animals at the facility were getting water and fodder to ensure their welfare3
  • No kill occured on the day of the cyclone 20/02/2015 and wouldn’t for the rest of that week.4
  • Any cattle that were meant to be processed at Lakes Creek that week would be diverted to Biloela or Beenleigh.4
  • Cattle that had been at the plant at the time of the cyclone were returned to some producers at Teys cost5
    • Half were moved to other plants5
    • If the animals were stressed they would have lost weight and cut darker therefore Teys paid  a flat rate to the producers5
    • Temperatures climbed to 38 degrees with high humidity following the cyclone and some cattle suffered heat stress5
    • Heat stressed animals were not transported to care for their welfare5
  • Teys anticipate they would not be in the market for cattle all that week for Lakes Creek or Biloela4
  • Combination of their buying power not present in markets for the 3 abattoirs affected by the cyclone – Lakes Creek, Biloela and Rockhampton (JBS) accounted for 2,000 head per day4
  • Teys advise the plant will be closed longer than anticipated5
    • Many of the employees at the plant were overseas workers and not entitled to any government support5
    • Asbestos in exposed building material had slowed repairs at the site7
      • Asbestos was commonly used in older facilities7
      • Specialised workers wore plastic suits in 40 degree heat9
  • Facility likely to open 09/03/2015.6
  • Longreach cattle market sales had been cancelled due to the disruptions at the meatworks6
  • Markets still strong but there was congestion of cattle in the market6
  • QLD’s kill retracted to 75,275 head, down 7% as a direct consequence of the first weeks closure8
  • Where possible Teys was making forward payments to producers for cattle held up by the event9
  • Teys to restart the kill floor 18/03/2015 killing 1,000 head to increase to 1,6009

Brands_edited-1Source http://www.teysaust.com.au Product brand that are produced by Teys.

Sources Rockhampton – Lakes Creek #7

  1. ‘We’re not against live export but….’ QLD Country Life 17.07.2014
  2. ‘MP wary of live cattle trade at meatworks’ expense’ The Bulletin 21.02.2015
  3. ‘Disaster declaration expected today as Cyclone Marcia farm damage bill grows’ ABC Rural 24.02.2015
  4. ‘Power outages, structural damage from cyclone knock-out CQ plants’ Beef Central 23.02.2015
  5. ‘Asbestos closes JBS plant indefinitely’ 26.02.2015
  6. ‘Central QLD abattoirs closed for second week following Cyclone Marcia’ ABC Rural 27.02.2015
  7. ‘Rockhampton processing delays longer than expected, in wake of Cyclone Marcia’ Beef Central 27.02.2015
  8. ‘Weekly Kill: Cyclone impact reflected in lower tally’ Beef Central 03.03.2015
  9. ‘First Rocky Plant back to work Tomorrow’ Beef Central 17.03.2015
  10. ‘Lakes Creek plant earns QLD multi-cultural award’ Beef Central 13.09.2013
  11. ‘Meat Processor calls on new seante to stop games and repeal carbon tax’ Teys Media Release 03.06.2014
  12. Teys Website-facilities
  13. http://www.teysaust.com.au/about/
  14. ‘Public Abattoir Needed’ Courier-Mail 27.08.1938
  15. ‘Triumph in the Tropics’ 1959 Queensland Government
  16. Empire preference Ottawa Agreement
  17. ‘Lakes Creek abattoir re-opening plans delayed’ www.justfood.com 25.04.2002
  18. ‘Government rewards Packer for meatworks closure’ the Guardian 07.08.2002
  19. Parliament Hansard – Meat Industry Consultive structure and quota allocation 20.08.2002
  20. ACCC – Consolidated Meat Group and Teys Bros merger proposal
  21. ‘Drought biggest driver of Lakes Creek Opening’ QLD CL 14.11.2002
  22. ‘Lakes Creek Workers continue dispute’ www.wsws.org 13.07.2002
  23. ‘Lakes Creek abattoir to reopen’ ABC rural 13.07.2004
  24. ‘Thousands march to support meatworkers’ Green left 13.03.2002
  25. ‘Lakes Creek reopens Monday’ QLD CL 15.07.2004
  26. ‘Packer Firm given grant for abattoir’ SMH 19.02.2005
  27. ‘Union Avoidance Strategies in the meat processing/packing industry in Australia and the USA compared’ Jerrard, O’Leary
  28. ‘Lakes Creek has few lifelines’ the Bulletin 11.02.2010
  29. ‘Union investigates raw deal for refugees at abattoir’ The Bulletin 01.12.2012
  30. QLD Beef Industry Beef situation analysis 2010
  31. ‘Meatworks gets Federal Government grant’ Daily Mercury 05.03.2013
  32. 2014 Inductee – QLD business Leaders Hall of Fame
  33. History
  34. Great Barrier Reef – Environmental History, Ben Daley
  35. ‘To Feed a Nation – A history of Australian food science and technology ‘ Kieth Farrer. 2005
  36. ‘Carbon tax could cost $19M year for big three processors’ Brahman News. 2011
  37. ”Cargill & Teys merger good for the beef industry’ Meat Trade Daily. 22.05.2011
  38. ‘Lakes Creek meatworks had record year’ CQ Herald 06.01.1955
  39. ‘Methane for power at Teys Australia Lakes Creek meatworks’ The Bulletin 19.03.2014
  40. ‘Bully for our beef exports’ Courier Mail 17.07.2011
  41. AMIC Prime Cuts Newsletter 11.01.2011
  42. ‘Meatworks jobs may get the chop’ The Morning Bulletin 11.12.2009
  43. ACCC will not oppose Teys Bros & Cargill Beef Australia proposed merger
  44. ‘Cattle supply chokes’ ABC Rural 14.07.2011
  45. AUS-MEAT Accreditation Listing 29.12.2015

`

Bond Springs (NT)

Australian Abattoirs, Central Australia, Northern Territory, Uncategorized, Wamboden 24/01/2015 Leave a comment

More commonly known as Wamboden abattoir, located 30km north of Alice Springs. This facility processes camels.

Other Names

  • Wamboden abattoir

Current Operation

  • Facility can process cattle and camels.
  • Company operating – Centralian Gold2

Location

 

 

Owner

  • G Dann.1

Operation

  • Wamboden abattoir is located 30 kilometres north of Alice Springs

Bond Springs.

History

1995

  • Central Australian Camel Industry Association (CACIA) is formed to develop markets for trade in live camels and camel meat.4
  • Estimated population in Australia of feral camels in 1995 – 500,000 head4
  • Northern Territory feral camel population estimated to be 60,000 head.4

Camel map, 1995._edited-1Source http://www.camelsaust.com.au. 24/01/2015
Distribution of Feral camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Australia 1995 (shaded lighter orange)

  • Camels to be processed at an abattoir are required to be4
    • between 3-10 years old4
    • < 400kg, >600kg. Larger animals can’t be handled.4
    • Camels must have previous handling before transported to abattoirs.4
    • if killed when stressed the meat will be darker, taste poorly and not have a good shelf life.4
    • Bulls are not to be in rut (in season), they have a concentrated body odour which makes the meat not fit for human consumption4
    • Cows in final stages of pregnancy must not be sent to the abattoir and cows recently calved will be rejected.4

2008

  • Northern Territory population of feral camels now estimated to be 250,000 – 300,000 head5
    • Located over 875,000 square kilometres of southern NT5
    • Causing significant damage to the environment, degradation of wetlands, destruction of vegetation5
  • Caring for Our Country initiative – 4 year national project – Australian Feral Camel Management Project (AFCMP)5.
    • reduce the numbers of feral camels commencing 2009/20105
    • Aerial culling5

2010

  • February. Contract possibly to be signed to supply up to 50 tonnes of camel meat a week2
    • Slaughter about 400 camels per week2
      • boning and processing to be conducted in South Australia2
    • Supply Australian domestic markets2
      • 10% of the Australian Muslim population2
      • Require a Halal slaughter2
  • October. Federal Government is conducting a camel cull $19M to remove 25,000 animals3
  • Federal Minister for Agriculture – Joe Ludwig is considering all options for camels including live export and export of processed meat.3
  • NT Government say camel trade is not viable and cull must continue to protect the environment.3

2013

  • AFCMP project to June 2013 – culled 52,000 camels in the NT by aerial shooting
    • another 12,000 taken on the ground
    • Estimated to be a 60% reduction of animals in Western desert and 20% in Simpson desert.
    • Estimate a further 25-30,000 animals to be removed in 2013
  • Peterborough abattoir (SA) and Caboolture (QLD) are currently processing 10,000 -15,000 camels per year.
    • have the capacity to process many more
    • significant challenges in the supply chain and high transport costs.
  • Wambonden is processing up to 20 camels a week.
  • Portable abattoirs considered – difficulty to obtain the meat hygiene standards for human consumption
    • Pet meat application for camels is a possibility however risks are assoicated with Indospicine contamination.
      • Toxin found in plants of genus Indigofera. Toxin accumulates in tissue of horses and camels and cause death of dogs if they eat the meat.

Sources

  1. Personal communication.
  2. ‘Alice springs abattoir to produce halal camel meat’ Daily Telegraph 22.02.2010
  3. ‘Ludwig not ruling out central Australian camel industry’ ABC rural. 21.10.2010
  4. http://www.camelsaust.com.au
  5. Alice Springs Rural Review December 2012.

Roma #2 (Proposed)

Australian Abattoirs, Proposed, Queensland, Queensland abattoirs - regions, Queensland list A-Z, Roma #2 (Proposed), Southern QLD, Uncategorized 01/09/2014 Comments: 5

 

July 2014. Maronoa council is seeking $75,000 to conduct a feasibility study into the establishment of an abattoir to process beef, sheep and goats. Proposal is reliant on a new airport at Toowoomba currently being built, rail link improvements that are proposed to Miles and extension of the rail from there to Roma.

Other Names

Current Operation

  •  Proposal.

Location

Owner

Operation

History

2014

  • July. Maronoa Regional Council seeking funding of $75,000 from state and Federal government to budget for ‘high level feasibility’ study into establishment of a beef, sheep and game meat abattoir at Roma.1
  • Wellcamp Airport at Toowoomba is being constructed and could open new opportunities to Asia, Middle East.1
  • Proposed upgrades to inland rail infrastructure.1
    • Rail  improvments to finish at Miles1
  • some private sector interest had been shown from a delegation from Asia1
  • Not looking to compete with Charleville (QLD) goat abattoir.1
    • Charleville abattoir currently operating at capacity with 80% of the feral goats coming from Surat Basin area.1
  • Council looking for ways to soften downturn in the economy that is predicted to hit once  the resource boom subsides.1

Sources

  1. ‘Roma ramps up abattoir study’ QLD Country Life 31.07.2014

Mudgee

Australian Abattoirs, Beef processing abattoir, Goat processor, Mudgee, New South Wales, Sheep processing abattoir 16/07/2014 Leave a comment

Other Names

  • Cudgeong abattoir

Current Operation

Location   

  • Mudgee is located 120 kilometres north of Lithgow in NSW on the western side of the Great Dividing range.

 

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Cudgegong Shire Council ( ? – 1988)1
  • Flectcher International exports – 19881

Operation   

  • Last council-owned meatworks to survive the rationalisation of the meat processing industry1

History

1965

  • Built as a service works for local butchers2

1981

  • Roger Flectcher – started his meat processing career when he leased the boning room at Mudgee and operated until 19882 when he built Dubbo abattoir (NSW)

1996

  • Up to half of NSW abattoirs could close with the loss of up to 5,000 jobs1
  • Authors Note – Majority of live export cattle during this period would have been Bos Indicus or crosses to South East Asia markets, sourced from mainly northern Australia. Not animals suited to heavy slaughter in Australia and from herds whos’ production was not likely destined for abattoirs in NSW.

LE exports 1990_1998_edited-2Source – Live Cattle Exports. Australian Commodities Vol 5 #2 June 1998

 Chart showing the high volume of South East Asia live cattle export destinations period 1990 – 1998

2003

  • August. Mothballed1
  • Had employed 230 people1
  • Accumulated debts of $13M, had appointed an administrator.2
  • 2002/2003 processed2
    • 32,000 cattle2
    • 600,000 sheep, lambs and goats2
    • 1,300 deer2
  • Liquidator – Steve Parberry of PPB chartered accountants2
  • Tender Sale conducted by David Nolan Rural and Project marketing2
  • Previous 5 years of operation it had worked almost entirely for 5 major export customers including2
    • Mudgee co-op for sheep2
    • Melbourne beef processor – GH Keily2
  • December. Purchased by Fletcher International Exports.1
  • Would be atleast a year or later before the plant will be sufficently renovated to enable operation1
    • $3M rebuilding program at the plant1
      • New freezers would need to be installed to allow for more freezer capacity1
      • the current coal-fired boilers need to be replaced with natural gas to cut operating costs1
      • Beef line was good, boning room had heavy investment1
      • Utilise as a single species abattoir – beef1
        • enable plant better chance to survive as cattle numbers not as severely depleted due to drought1

 

Sources

  1. ‘Abattoirs revived’ Stock and Land 24.12.2003
  2. ‘Meatworks jobs saved’ The Land 25.12.2003
  3. 5,000 jobs at risk:Abattoirs facing closure’ Sydney Morning Herald. 21.05.1996

Orange

Australian Abattoirs, Beef processing abattoir, Orange 16/07/2014 Leave a comment

Other Names

Current Operation

Location   

  • Orange is located 250 km east of Sydney
  • Abbattoir is located on Clergate road

 

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

Operation   

History

1920’s

  • First opened by the Graziers meat service2

1960’s

  • by this period the plant was on of the largest meat works in NSW2
  • Soon dogged by2
    • stock shortages2
    • industrial action2
    • volatile export market2

1992

2002

  • Originally only a packing room, the slaughter floor was opened at this time2
  • Closed after only 9 months operation2
    • 350 people out of work2

2004

  • June. Last 18 months meatworks in Woy Woy, Mudgee abattoir (NSW), Orange, Forbes abattoir (NSW) have all closed, loss of close to 500 jobs.3
  • Bindaree Beef announce a major recruitment drive that would lead to 1,200 new jobs at the abattoir2

2005

  • August. Recruitment drive on hold as plant is limited to ‘value adding ‘ operation at present2
  • Work has been carried out at plant over the last 4 years is continuing2

2010

  • article notes that the Orange abattoir was closed and scrapped. (not date specific)3

Sources

  1. ‘Abattoir cuts 150 jobs’ AMIEU Archives. 05.07.2004
  2. ‘Bindarees Beef’s 1,200 jobs are still on hold’ Central West Daily 14.08.2005
  3. ‘Who is JR McDonald’ The Land 05.03.2010

SA Abattoirs listed.

Australian Abattoirs, Kangaroo Island, Murray Bridge, Peterborough, South Australia, Uncategorized 04/07/2014 Comments: 2

This is a list of the abattoirs

Bordertown

Kangaroo Island

Normanville

Peterborough Abattoir (SA). Owned by Samex. Horse meat processor.

Caboolture

Australian Abattoirs, Caboolture, Peterborough, Queensland, Queensland list A-Z, South Australia, Southern QLD 04/07/2014 1 Comment

Located in Queensland, one of only 2 abattoirs in Australia accredited for export of horse meat.

Other Names

  • Meramist 1

Current Operation

  • Caboolture is operating as at 2014.2
  • AUS-MEAT accreditation #3416.2
    • Export beef accredited.2

 

Location   


 

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Meramist Pty Ltd1

Operation   

  • Peterborough (SA) and Caboolture (QLD) are Australia’s only licensed horse abattoirs able to export horse meat to European Union (EU) Countries.1

History

2012

  • Australian horse meat export industry strengthened and approved by the EU1

2014

  • June. Investigation launched by Department of Agriculture in to complaints that horse meat exported from Australian abattoirs for human consumption fails to meet strict EU standards.1
  • Complaint specifically relates to horses bought at Echuca (Victoria) saleyards, some which were sent to Peterborough (SA) abattoir
    • All horses processed came with Horse Vendor declarations1
      • Confirms treatment of the horses in previous 6 months1
  • Horse meat industry valued at $10M a year in the past decade1
    • Only 117 tonnes ($830,000 in value) exported to EU in past 12 months.1

 

Sources

  1. ‘Australian horse meat exports in doubt following standards complaint’ ABC News 21.06.2014
  2. AUS-MEAT Accreditation Listing. Current as at 01.01.2014

Peterborough

Australian Abattoirs, Peterborough, South Australia 04/07/2014 Leave a comment

Located in South Australia, one of only 2 abattoirs in Australia accredited for export of horse meat. Peterborough also processes camels.

Other Names

  • Samex abattoir1

Current Operation

  • Is currently operating in 2014
  • Establishment #7502
    • Export registered2

Location   

Peterborough

 Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

Operation   

  • Peterborough and Caboolture (QLD) are Australia’s only licensed horse abattoirs able to export horse meat to European Union (EU) Countries.1
  • Processes Camels.2
    • Under Islamic rites and religious requirements2

History

2012

  • Samex acquire Peterborough
  • Australian horse meat export industry standards strengthened and approved by the EU1

2013

  • Caboolture (QLD) and Peterborough are currently processing 10,000 – 15,000 camels per year.3
    • Bond Springs (NT) is processing 20 camels per week.3
    • Feral Camel population is estimated to be 250,000-300,000 in the NT3
      • National cull occuring to reduce numbers.3
        • Up to June 2013 about 64,000 camels been culled3
        • with estimates of further 25-30,000 to be culled.3
      • Significant challenges with the supply chain and high transport cost to supply feral camels to abattoirs.3

2014

  • June. Investigation launched by Department of Agriculture in to complaints that horse meat exported from Australian abattoirs for human consumption fails to meet strict EU standards.1
  • Complaint specifically relates to horses bought at Echuca (Victoria) saleyards, some which were sent to Peterborough abattoir
    • All horses processed came with Horse Vendor declarations1
      • Confirms treatment of the horses in previous 6 months1
  • Horse meat industry valued at $10M a year in the past decade1
    • Only 117 tonnes ($830,000 in value) exported to EU in past 12 months.1

 

Sources

  1. ‘Australian horse meat exports in doubt following standards complaint’ ABC News 21.06.2014
  2. Samex website
  3. Alice Springs Rural Review. December 2012.

NSW abattoir list A – Z.

Aberdeen, Australian Abattoirs, Bega, Blayney, Bourke, Camperdown, Collarenebri, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Cootamundra, Cowra, Culcairn, Dubbo, Duringula, Forbes, Goulburn, Grafton, Gundagai, Gunnedah, Guyra, Harden, Inverell, Lismore, New South Wales, Oberon, Uncategorized 26/05/2014 Leave a comment

This list is only of those facilities currently on this blog.

For sites in other parts of Australia, go to Australian Abattoir Locations

 

Aberdeen abattoir. Closed. Last owned by AMH

Bega. Current operation unknown

Blayney abattoir. Closed Last owned by ANZCO

Bourke (Proposed) Goat

Camperdown

Casino abattoir. Currently operating

Collarenbri. Proposed goat abattoir

Coonabarabran abattoir. Closed

Coonamble abattoir

Cootamundra

Cowra abattoir. Currently operating

Culcairn

Deniliquin abattoir. Current operation unknown

Dubbo abattoir. Currently operational. The largest sheepmeat processing facility in Australia.

Duringula abattoir

Forbes abattoir (NSW)

Goulburn abattoir

Grafton

Gundagai

Gunnedah

Guyra abattoir

Harden abattoir. Closed in 2006.

Inverell. Better known as Bindaree Beef. Currently in operation.

Lismore

Oberon abattoir

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Aberdeen abattoir

Now closed, located in north east NSW, was last owned by AMH.
Historically a very old facility – originally began in 1891. Most recently upgraded in 1996, closed 1999,

Bega

Opened in 2004 as a small species abattoir processing rabbits and poultry, located south of Canberra in NSW. Had operating cost issues in 2013, closure threatened.

Blayney abattoir

Located in southeast NSW. Began operations as a freezing works in 1900, became insolvent in 1996, then purchased by ANZCO, with debts still owing to unsecured creditors of $6M. Closed in 1998. AMIEU citing economic reasons rather than stock shortages as the main cause of closure.

Bourke (Proposed) Goat

2008 local council proposed establishment of a goat abattoir to process 1,500 goats a day.

Camperdown abattoir

Located only 8km Sydney, closed 1991 following violent industrial disputes.

Casino abattoir

Currently operating in 2014. The only Australian farmer co-operative abattoir of its kind. Specialised Wagyu plant that has two operating floors for different size slaughter animals.

Collarenebri (Proposed) Goat

Formally a failed emu and ostrich abattoir a proposal was put forward in 2008 to develop the site to process 750 goats a day for 8 months of the year.

Coonabarbran abattoir

Located 600km north west of Sydney. Was the only abattoir in the region that did service kill of 3 species, cattle, lamb and pigs. Had environmental pollution problems in 2008 which attracted legal action and fines. Closed in 2012 citing costs of fines from 2008 issues.

Coonamble abattoir

Closed in 2001 due to government GST and regulation costs, is currently being upgraded for reopening in 2014

Cootamundra abattoir

Cowra abattoir

Located 250km west of Sydney the abattoir has been through closures but is currently operating.
Commenced operations in 1970, pay disputes in 2006, administrator appointed in same year. While insolvent owner conducted illegal activity by transfer of deed to another company and allocating 1st mortgage status to it and not the bank, with employee entitlements last and unable to be paid. Administrators sold facility in 2007, it underwent significant upgrades in 2012 with CCTV installed.

Culcairn abattoir

Deniliquin abattoir

Deniliquin had a freezing works in the late 1800’s. The current abattoir was built at a different site and was operating prior to 1990. It opened and closed a number of times. Recently being sold the facility has undergone upgrades with intentions of being opened in 2013

Dubbo abattoir

Largest sheep meat processor in Australia currently in operation. A new plant built in 1988 which was the first to have a processing chain that was a hot boning system for mutton. When developed the employment was shift based and not tally as other abattoirs at the time. Did have a wool processing facility that is now closed. Production has been affected by supply of animals, high Australian dollar, sheep prices and reduction of the Australian sheep herd. It proposed in 2010 to merge 2 shifts for one as a 10 hour work day, unions resisted.

Duringula

Located mid north east NSW, currently closed. Local government considering injecting funds for refurbishment of the facility.

Forbes abattoir

Located southwest NSW, built in the 1950’s, owned and operated by Japanese 1988 to 2003. Plant required significant capital upgrades which the owners were not prepared to do and it closed in 2003. Talk of reopening in 2013.

Goulburn abattoir

Located 200km southwest of Sydney and north of Canberra. Has faced major shortage of animal supply issues in the past due to drought and decreased national sheep herd. Recently increased costs of water affected operations

Grafton abattoir

Gundagai abattoir

Gunnedah abattoir

Guyra abattoir

Was operating prior to 1960 as a government owned facility, closed to be reopened by the council as a service kill facility. Racking up substantial debts of $6M these were waived at sale in 1985 to be reopened then closed again in 1993. AMH purchased around this time and entered into a partnership with DR Johnston to operate. Involved in significant industrial disputes the plant was regarded as marginal it was closed permanently in 1996. Currently being considered for development of the site as a rabbit farm

Harden abattoir

Built in the 1970’s by council, Southern meats purchased and ran Harden with a US consortium. US sheepmeat import tariffs caused short operational closures but lack of supply of animals due to extended drought caused final closure in 2006.

Inverell abattoir

Located in northern NSW, a privately owned abattoir more commonly known as Bindaree Beef. Recently received $23M government grant for a biogas project. Negotiations in 2014 with union regarding EBA have stalled, workers have had a number of stop works in recent months over pay disagreements.

Lismore abattoir

Oberon abattoir

Located 200km east of Sydney, Privately owned facility that was shut for a period due to a business deal. Re-opened in 2014 targeting Asian market preferences in Sydney.