Tag Archives: abattoirs operating timelines

Lismore

Australian Abattoirs, Lismore, New South Wales 26/05/2014 Leave a comment

Other Names

Current Operation

Location   

  • Lismore is located in the far north east of NSW close to the border with Queensland

Lismore

Lismore #2

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • A1

Operation  

  • Has a strong domestic supply to its own localities1

History

1996

 

Sources

  1. ‘5,000 jobs at risk: abattoirs facing closure’ Sydney Morning Herald 21.05.1996

Gunnedah

Australian Abattoirs, Gunnedah, New South Wales 26/05/2014 Leave a comment

Located north east of Wagga Wagga. Originally Gunnedah was a service abattoir owned and operated by the local council. It increasingly developed serious debt problems and received a number of assistance packages from Federal and state government to maintain operations. Sold to private enterprise in 1996 it only operated a very short time before permanently closing in 1997.

Other Names

Current Operation

  • Closed 1997.3

Location   

  • Gunnedah is located in northern NSW, approximately 550 km north of Sydney

Gunnedah

Gunnedah 2

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Gunnedah Shire abattoirs1
    • Manager Ray Grout1
  • Edmonds Meat Exports3 (1996 – 1997
    • Manager Peter Spackman3

Operation   

  • Export abattoir1

History

1957

  • Gunnedah abattoir established.4
    • One of four strategic local government abattoirs4
    • Set up by state government to boost local employment and offer processors and producers their own regional selling centre.4
    • Gunnedah was the most successful and once described as the shining light of the meat processing industry4
    • At its peak the abattoir through service operators had 600 employees.4

1994

  • One of Australia’s biggest export abattoirs1
  • April. Ray Grout gave notice of resignation, council accepted but then Ray Grout wanted his job back and it was refused.1
    • Ray Grout won the right for reinstatement as Gunnedah abattoir manager then changed his mind1
      • claimed $100,000 damages.1

1996

  • April. Facility had soaked up $1.8M in council support since 19932
  • Currently employs 200 people2
  • Fallen on hard times8
    • partly due to effects of extended drought in northern NSW8
    • abattoirs lack of meat industry experience8
  • Delivers $150M into the regional economy each year.2
  • Report conducted by Price Waterhouse findings2; to determine the role the abattoir played in the regional economy and to see if there was any hope of returning it to profitability8
    • Recommended abattoir be corporatised and assets transferred to a seperate legal entity8
    • Independent board with meat industry experience8
    • abattoir to be sold at any reasonable offer or closed if the business remains unviable and sale is unlikely within 2 years8
    • package of state and Federal government assistance8
    • Acknowledged plant was uncompetitive2
        • but could be salvaged under new management if it corporatised for preparation for sale within 2 years.2
        • Federal government received  $1.25M in quarantine service fees and $2.5M PAYE each year2
  • State and Federal government deal to prop-up facilities operations.2
    • $2.1M. in total2
      • $1.1M. exemption from payroll tax and stamp duty2
      • $1M. Quarantine and hygiene inspection costs pickup up by Commonwealth.2
      • Gunnedah was the most strategically placed in eastern Australia2
      • Gunnedah was one of only 5 abattoirs licensed to export to the 5 key export regions2
  • Describing the problems at the abattoir2 as an
    • “example of everything that is wrong in Australia’s meat industry” – John Carter, Former head of NSW Meat industry authority.2
    • “The situation at the Gunnedah works is indicative of the endemic problems that seriously threaten the competitiveness of Australia’s second largest export industry” – John Carter.2
    • “Last week Australia utilised just 69% of its killing capacity compared to the US, which was working at 200% by doubling its shifts – and we wonder why we are failing to compete” – John Carter.2
    • “200 abbatoirs must be cut to around 50 if we are to be competitive” John Carter2
  • May. $1M assistance package is put in place.6
    • $1M over a 2 year period by state8
    • Federal government gave some concessions on quarantine and inspection services8
      • Council implement recommendations of Price-Waterhouse report – included appointing a new board.6
        • Greg Upton – Grazier and Chairman of North west electricity6
        • Jason Strong – Chairman of the Cattleman’s union and National livestock marketing board.6
        • Authors Note – Not sure if this is the same man. Jason Strong appointed Chief Executive of Australian Agricultural Company in 20145
      • 4 companies have approached council about establishing operations in Gunnedah6
        • included on of the worlds largest corporations.6
  • Up to half of NSW 56 abattoirs could close with the loss of up to 5,000 jobs7

    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

  • State government concessions designed to prop up the ailing Gunnedah abattoir were hastening their demise.7
    • forced other abattoirs to compete with inefficent works being handed unfair trading advantage7

    December. Abattoir sold to Edmonds Meat Exports.3

 

 1997

  • April. Plant offically reopened.8
    • Record kill levels 30% above council management8
    • Hope new abattoir will expand into sheep, pigs with a view to new exports in Europe8
  • Other retailers have set up in Gunnedah – McDonalds.8
  • Turkish investor is interested in Gunnedah tannery for purchase and expansion8
  • Abattoir now has $10M debt.8
  • 370 workers put off3
    • mostly casual staff3
    • Not sacked , when market improves would endeavour to re-employ3
  • Plant was paying more for cattle but getting less for product  when it was sold overseas3
  • Companies decision was inevitable and would have come even if the meatworks was not privatised3
    • had been expected for a while due to conditions in the industry3

Sources

  1. ‘Legal dispute over dismissal or resignation’ Sydney morning herald. 23.11.1994
  2. ‘Call to Scrap $2.1M abattoir rescue plan’ Sydney morning herald. 08.04.1996
  3. ‘Abattoir shutdown a jolt for Gunnedah’ Sydney morning herald 14.10.1997
  4. ‘A giant in the life of Gunnedah – 100 years since O’Keefe born’ Namoi Valley Independent 23.10.2012
  5. ‘Strong happy to shoulder the load’ Stock and Land 24.04.2014
  6. ‘Gunnedah shire abattoir’ Parliamentary Hansard, 14.05.1996
  7. ‘5,000 jobs at risk: Abattoirs facing closure’ Sydney morning herald. 21.05.1996
  8. ‘Gunnedah shire abattoir’ Parlimentary hansard 17.04.1997

Grafton

Australian Abattoirs, Grafton, New South Wales 25/05/2014 Leave a comment

Other Names

Current Operation

  • Closed October 2011

Location   

  • Grafton is located close to the North east coast of NSW. It is approximately 80km north of Coffs Harbour

grafton 1

Mid east NSW. Grafton template 002

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • A1

Operation   

History

2003

  • Government assisted with a financial package around this period to help restart the works1

2010

  • Ramsey Meats was fined $130,000 for polluting a local creek2

2011

  • November. Grafton facility is closed1
  • Ramsey Meat business was heavily focused on veal production2
  • Since closure had moved to a service kill at Casino2
  • Prior to closure the Ramsey group abattoir was one of the bigger employers in the district2
    • 150 staff2
      • Some staff relocated to Casino2

2012

  • January. Northern Cooperative meat Co at Casino takes a controlling interest in Ramsey Meats2

 

Sources

  1. ‘Fobres abattoir financial assistance’ Parliamentary Hansard. 18.09.2003
  2. ‘Casino takes big stake in Ramsey Meats’ Beef Central 11.01.2012

Culcairn

Australian Abattoirs, Culcairn, New South Wales 25/05/2014 Leave a comment

Other Names

Current Operation

Location   

  • Culcairn is located approximately 60 km north of Albury in southern NSW

culcairn

 

culcairn 2

 

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • A1

Operation   

History

1996

 

Sources

  1. ‘5,000 jobs at risk: Abattoirs facing closure’ Sydney Morning Herald 21.05.1996

Goulburn #217. NSW

Australian Abattoirs, Goulburn, New South Wales 20/05/2014 Leave a comment

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.

Other Names

  • Southern Meats.

Current Operation

  • Currently in operation.
  • Ausmeat Accreditation number #02178

 

Location   

  • Goulburn is located 200km South west of Sydney and 90km north of Canberra
  • Abbatoir is located 99-241 Mazamet road, Goulburn NSW.

Goulburn

Goulburn #2

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Southern Meats Goulburn1
    • Also own Harden abattoir (NSW) – closed Harden in 2006.
    • Joined with Western Australian Meat Marketing co-operative Limited (WAMMCO)10

Operation   

  • Export abattoir for sheep and sheep offal.8
  • Specialist plant of sheep and lamb production5
  • Draws livestock from Victoria and NSW5
  • Pupose built boning room for further processing of customers orders5
  • Skins processed to drum salt stage5
  • Rendering facility produces bleachable and bleached tallow in addition to bloodmeal and meatmeal5
  • Production is predominently export-driven including the Middle east and US market6
    • SE Asia and Japan5
    • simple 6-way packs to more detailed specifications for orders6
  • Capacity to process 8,000 sheep and lambs a day10
  • Livestock kept in covered yards on arrival at plant10

History

1957

  • Goulburn was a strategically important abattoir at this time27.
    • Operated by local government to boost local employment and establish regional livestock selling centres27.
    • Others at the time were located27

1963

  • Operated as an export facility with chilling, freezing an freezing storage capacity by the Goulburn City Council25

1991

  • Neville Newton purchases the Goulburn abattoir28

1997

  • July. Is Aus-meat registered at this time26.
    • Operated by Southern Meats Pty Ltd26

2001

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20024,Harden abattoir (NSW) and Goulburn combined.
    • Ranked 10th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20014
    • Throughput 65,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)4
    • Turnover $225M4

2002

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20024, Harden abattoir (NSW) and Goulburn combined.
    • Ranked 12th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20024
    • Throughput 49,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)4
    • Kill share 1.8%4
    • Turnover $206M4
    • Total staff 7004

2003

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20035, Harden abattoir (NSW) and Goulburn combined.
    • Ranked 14th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20025
    • Throughput 46,675 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)5
    • Turnover $180M5

2004

  • Major problem facing the industry was the lack of growth in the Australian sheep flock, combined with skyrocketing cost of lamb in recent years.1
  • July. Major problem was lack of rain1
    • need water to use to run the plant1
  • Plant is currently operating 4 to 5 days a week.1
  • Plant was closed for a number of months in 2003 due to drought and low availability of stock numbers1
  • livestock supply improved in 2004
    • average carcase weights slightly higher
    • 2nd shift work put into operation
  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20045, Harden abattoir (NSW) and Goulburn combined.
    • Ranked 10th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20045
    • Throughput 55,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)5
    • Kill share 2.6%5
    • Turnover $185M5
    • Total staff 4805
    • Production split 95% export, 5% domestic5
    • Species split 75% sheep, 25% lamb5
  • Harden abattoir (NSW) closed 2004 due to stock shortages.

2005

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20066, Goulburn only
    • Ranked 10th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20056
    • Throughput 55,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)6
    • Turnover $185M6

2006

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20066, Goulburn only
    • Ranked 14th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20066
    • Throughput 51,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)6
    • Kill share 1.8%6
    • Total staff 4806
    • Production split 95% export, 5% domestic6
    • Species split 75% sheep, 25% lamb6
    • Brands Fine Brand, Country Meadow, Southern Cross6

2007

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20067, Goulburn only
    • Ranked 25th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20077
    • Throughput 28,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)7
    • Kill share 0.97%7
    • Total staff 4807

2009

  • Forced to let workers go who worked afternoon shift
  • Going through an extremely long dry period
  • February. Southern Meats will shut down it’s Goulburn abattoir operations if a new saleyard is approved for building 250m from its own front gate11
    • Saleyard is proposed by Kattle Gear Australia11
      • $9M complex in Mazamet road11
        • Cater to 20,000 sheep and 2,500 cattle11
  • Southern Meats Owner and General Manager – Mr Neville Newton11

2010

  • February. Goulburn. Currently employs 250 people3
    • Used to have more than 4003
  • Central West NSW used to have 11 abattoirs now it just has 44
  • Livestock numbers plummet due to long period of drought4
  • “It’s disastrous. There are far too many processing abattoirs out there and not enough animals to slaughter” Neville Newton. Goulburn owner / Operator4
  • Currently 29 licensed red meat abattoirs in NSW4
    • down by 30% from a decade ago4

2011

  • March. Southern meats had forced full production shutdown for 16 weeks – March to June.9
    • Abattoir closed March 21 for six weeks due to livestock shortages12
      • Low sheep numbers14
        • Sever drought that has caused this and another lengthy closure this year15
      • High Australian dollar on the export markets14
    • May 2 re-start is subject to stock availability12
    • 180 employees were laid off.
  • April. Local town employers are encouraged to employ the meat workers on a seasonal basis  to prevent the loss of their expertise and skills from the area12
    • Some workers are using long service leave and annual leave to survive the downturn12
    • Important to retain as many of the people locally to minimise the impact on the local economy12
    • Workers age range from 16 to 66 with 40% female12
      • some had gone to Canberra in the building trade and others had began work at the Tahmoor poultry plant12
  • Industry and Investment NSW and Southern Meats have developed a scheme to train abattoir workers in other fields13
    • Aim is to keep the workers in Goulburn during the plant’s shut down periods13
  • May 28. Plant announces it will not restart until July 414.
    • Second time the re-opening has been delayed14
    • AMIEU claim the abattoir is about to be sold14.
      • AMIEU organiser Mark Perkins14
      • Current employment agreement covers short-term closures and stand-downs but not the sale of the facility14
      • Union were not informed of extension of closure until 27/05/201114
    • Management of the plant decline to comment on the facilities future14
  • June. Abattoir is sold to the Western Australian Meat Marketing Co-operative (WAMMCO) for an undisclosed sum15
    • WAMMCO have another plant in Katanning15
    • Sale includes business, land and buildings15
      • Sale had been in negotiation for 3 months
      • WAMMCO will take on all former workers15
      • had been aware Goulburn was experiencing difficulties15
      • Plant to reopen July 115
  • Competition had been very difficult with 2 major lamb processors pushing up livestock prices15
  • The abattoirs premier export product was a strong attraction to the buyer15
  • WAMMCO wanted to branch into eastern states15.
    • 1.3M head of sheep had left WA in 9 months to eastern states15.
    • Risk management strategy15.
  • AMIEU is confident most workers will return to the abattoir when it re-opens July 416.
    • all entitlements of employees who would return would be paid16
    • Union have a good relationship with WAMMCO in the west16
  • July 5. Plant reopens17
    • Approximately half of the workforce have returned17
      • Just over 100 people returned17
    • Reopen under Southern Meats name17
      • Chief Executive Coll MacRury17
    • Plant would restart at 60-70% capacity to build to full production17
    • Southern Meats want to double capacity and employ 400 people17
    • Livestock would be sourced from saleyards and direct from the paddock17
      • Direct from the paddock was more efficient and used in the west17
    • Plant would continue will supply to halal markets17
      • Animals were stunned with an electric stunner pre slaughter17
    • Previously plant had focused on mutton export17
      • WAMMCO would pursue more lamb products17
        • 20% going to the domestic market18
        • May take 18 months to build domestic opportunities18
        • Australian dollar was so strong against most countries’ currency18
    • Most stock would be secured from producers within 2-3 hours of the facility18
    • WAMMCO Western Australia is run at 90% direct from producers supply18
    • Plan to get Goulburn supplied 75-80% direct18
      • then adopt some principles of the NSW co-operative18
        • performance based payments18
        • work with producers to lift genetic pool18
        • produce the type of lamb market wants18
    • Immediate aim is to get the plant to profitability18
      • Will need to see numbers improve18
        • Better margins back to the business18
        • Wants plant back to capacity on one shift18
          • Processing 4,200 – 4,500 sheep and lambs per day18
      • Will take a couple of years18
      • Prices paid in the last 10-12 months are not sustainable18
        • market can’t support that type of buying18

2012

  • August. owner expressed concerns about its viability and job security when its annual water charges skyrocketed by up to $70,0002
    • Council introduced a new policy – water is calculated on amount used.2
    • Council agreed to reduce charges and do a watching brief of water use.2
      • aware of need to assit meat industry, export and internally in tough times.2
  • Plant is already facing significant cost increases due to carbon tax and exchange rates.2
  • Abattoir is unable to pass costs on the extra costs19.
    • people just don’t get employed to offset costs19

2013

  • March. Abattoir has thrown down gauntlet in regards to Goulburn’s water pricing20
    • Council suggested a 25% discount on water charges to the business20
      • Southern Meats say this will add $150,000 annually or 69% to their bill20
  • “In the current business environment this is not sustainable for Southern Meats and if this is adopted it would have a severe impact on our ability to operate successfully in Goulburn” Southern Meats CEO Coll MacRury20
  • Abattoir would be unable to provide further employment if the water charges are implemented20
  • Council has also risen residential water charges by 33%20
    • ‘Full cost recovery’ for council’s water business unit20
    • in line with state government directive20
    • Price of water was cheap in the first place20
    • Prices had not risen for a long time20
  • Council have allowed 42% reduction to the abattoir – $125,000 annually20
    • Phased in over 5 years20
      • Abattoir say the charges are still not acceptable20
    • Abattoir uses 210 Megalitres annually (2011/2012)20
      • 10% of entire Goulburn water use20
      • currently pays 97c/kilolitre = $205,000 annual water bill20
        • If it paid the same as other businesses it would pay $570,000 pa20
        • Initial offer $365,000 reduction in fee = $36 cross subsidy by every Goulburn property20
        • Latest offer abattoir would pay $1.57/kl cross subsidy of $43 per property20
  • Abattoirs are facing high costs20
    • Livestock costs are high20
    • high Australian dollar20
    • higher business and labour costs relative to other countries20.
      • Any competitive advantage was critical20
    • Says other competitors are paying less for their water20
  • Other businesses lost in the region included Oral B, Supertex, The Goulburn Wool Scour and Kermac20
  • Southern Meats employs 270 people20
    • Slaughters 3,600 sheep and lambs daily20

2014

  • August. Agreement is made with Japanese city businessman signs a deal worth $340,00021
    • Goulburn sister city to Japanese city Shibetsu21
    • Mr Imai – CEO of Shizou Farm Corporation21
      • Own
        • several restaurants21
        • motel21
        • runs 600 Suffolk sheep on his farm21
        • grows 143 acres of sugar beet21
      • One of the largest operations in Japan21
        • 43 greenhouses21
        • a meat processing works to slaughter own stock and imported21 animals21
        • catering firm contracts to Nippon Airways21
        • Transport business21
    • Goulburn abattoir agreement will see 17 tonnes of lamb exported by air and ship21
      • Initially the contract had been with a Melbourne site21
    • Goulburn exports 800 tonnes of high quality lamb to Japan annually21
      • Overall exports 500 – 600 tonne every week21
  • Russia has imposed sanctions against Australian products including beef and pork21
    • Unsure if lamb will be affected at this date2

2015

  • June. work will soon begin on a state-of-the-art renewable energy project22
    • Goulburn abattoir will be able to harness power of own methane22
    • Australian first22
    • Biogas will be used to generate electricity that offsets grid supplied electricity22
      • Biogas is currently used as a fuel at a number of processing works22
    • Quantum Power, Gold coast based bioenergy company will construct the equipment22
      • generate up to 1MW or renewable energy22
        • sufficient to offset power of 400 homes22
        • Offset 40% of grid supplied electricity to the abattoir22
        • take 6-9 months to construct, beginning in 3 months22
          • Once built it will convert waste stream to biogas comprising of 60% methane22
  • November. Unique Australian technology is taking the injuries out of bandsaw work in abattoirs23
    • Goulburn abattoir is one of several installing ‘bladestop’ technology23
      • operator becomes part of electronic circuit connected to the saw23
        • If person touches it, stops within 15 milliseconds23
        • Operator wears a belt that has an electronic circuit breaker23
    • 70 units sold in Australia in the last 18 months23
      • Technology has been around for 7 years23
        • Latest model available for the last 2 years23
    • Research has been going for 11 years through MLA23
      • Goulburn was involved in the research projects23
    • gives employees a greater sense of confidence to use the machines23
    • 4 major incidents at Goulburn in the last 5 years involving bandsaws has resulted in 827 hours of lost time and $100,000 workers compensation claims23
    • 2012/2013 Safe Work Australia statistics showed that there were 95 accepted workers compensation claims and $400,000 paid in compensation due to powered saws in the Australian Meat Industry23
  • Southern Meats is currently processing 3,000 – 5,000 lambs per day23
    • Employs 320 staff depending on the season23
    • Majority of meat is exported to European union and Muslim countries23
    • Domestically processed lamb is for Cosco Australia23

2016.

  • September. At this point in time the facility is managed by Craig Newton. Son of Neville Newton who had owned the facility from 1991 – 201128

2017

  • April. JBS Australia announce they will temporarily close two of its southern lamb processing plant due to current livestock supply and price conditions24.
  • Other facilities that have also stopped production or reduced throughput recently are24
  • Some plants are currently operating on loss-making skeleton 3 day weekly kills24
  • Recent spate of abattoir closures raises questions in regards to over capacity of the processing sector with oversupply of stock due to drought24
  • Has been high levels of foreign investment interest in investments directed into processing24

 

Sources  – Goulburn #217 NSW

  1. ‘Harden abattoir closes; Goulburn’s future uncertain’ Goulburn Post 11.07.2004
  2. ‘Financial reprieve for abattoir’s bills’ ABC News 23.08.12
  3. ‘Abattoir industry in disastorous state’ ABC rural 16.02.2010
  4. Feedback. Top 25 red meat processors 2002
  5. Feedback. Top 25 red meat processors 2004
  6. Feedback’s Top 25 red meat processors 2006
  7. Feedback’s Top red meat processors 2007
  8. Ausmeat Accreditation listing as at 20.05.2014
  9. NSW EPA Annual Return. June 2011 – May 2012
  10. http://www.southernmeats.com.au. accessed 21.05.14
  11. ‘The knives are out: Meat works will close if yards built’ Goulburn Post 03.09.2009
  12. ‘Bid to keep ab workers here’ Goulburn Post 05.04.2011
  13. ‘One door shuts…’ Goulburn Post 12.04.2011
  14. ‘Abattoir sheepish’ Goulburn Post 28.05.2011
  15. ‘Abattoir sells up’ Goulburn Post 06.06.2011
  16. ‘Meat works sale buoys union’ Goulburn Post 07.06.2011
  17. ‘New Beginning’ Goulburn Post 05.07.2011
  18. ‘Southern Meats eyes domestic lamb share’ www.farmonline.com.au 08.07.2011
  19. ‘Abattoir appeals for reprieve from soaring water bills’ ABC News. 20.08.2012
  20. ‘Increase will chop into abattoir’s edge’ Goulburn Post 22.03.2013
  21. ‘Goulburn lamb cuts mustard’ Goulburn Post 11.08.2014
  22. ‘Goulburn abattoirs harnesses methane’ Goulburn Post 12.06.2015
  23. ‘Bandsaw safety technology cuts meat processing injuries’ Sheep Central 04.11.2015
  24. ‘Indefinite closures for JBS lamb plants, as supply challenge reaches critical point’ Beef Central 20.04.2017
  25. ‘World on a plate’ Stephen Martyn. 2011
  26. Aus-Meat Accreditation List. July 1997
  27. ‘A giant in the life of Gunnedah – 100 years since O’Keefe bon’ Naomi Valley 23.10.2012
  28. ‘Neville Newton, a man of great substance’ Goulburn Post 20.09.2016
  29. ‘Goulburn, Southern meats winds back lamb and mutton production’ Sheep Central 17.02.2017

Oberon

Australian Abattoirs, New South Wales, Oberon 20/05/2014 Leave a comment

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.

Other Names

  • Unknown

Current Operation

  • Is currently operating in 2014.

Location   

  • Oberon is approximately 200km east of Sydney, on the western side of the Great dividing range.

Oberon

Oberon #2Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Privately owned.2
    • Manager Andrew McLeod.2

Operation   

 

History

2010

2014

  • February. Abattoir re-started2
  • Had been closed for last 2 1/2 years due to sour business deal2
  • Will fill demand for Asian style processing of smaller stock2
    • processing goats, lambs, deer and beef2
    • Chinese prefer a skin-on burnt2
      • Processed through a hot tub, hair is beaten off and skin stays on, then hair is burnt off and gives a crisp golden colour2
      • large market demand in Sydney2
  • Currently employing 16 people2
    • intentions to employ up to 402

 

Sources

  1. Abattoir industry in a disastrous state. ABC rural. 16.02.2010
  2. ‘Oberon abattoir back in operation’ ABC rural. 24.02.14

Collarenebri (Proposed) Goat

Australian Abattoirs, Collarenebri, New South Wales 17/05/2014 Leave a comment

A proposal put forward to convert a disused abattoir previously used for ostriches and emu to goat, in 2008.

Other Names

Current Operation

  • Proposed1

Location   

  • Collarenebri is located in far north west NSW on the Barwon river. Aprroximately 600 km north west of Newcastle. The abattoir is located on Mungindi road1.

collarenebri 1

collarenebri 2

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

Operation   

History

  • Previously had been a emu and ostrich abattoir that had failed1

2008

  • February. Dellmain, a company plans to develop goat abattoir in Collarenebri1
  • Development application was publicly exhibited1
    • process 750 goats a day for 250 days of the year (approximately 8 months of the year)1
    • Create 40 direct jobs, maybe 100 more indirect1
    • If approved abattoir could open in April or May 2008.1
  • Main markets are ethnic communities in United States.1

 

Sources

  1. ‘Goat meatworks promises Collarenebri jobs boost’ ABC News. 07.02.2008.

Queensland abattoirs listed – regions

Australian Abattoirs, Ayr, Beef processing abattoir, Beenleigh, Biboohra, Biloela, Bowen, Cairns, Camooweal, Cannon Vale, Cape River, Casino, Central QLD, Charleville, Clermont, Cloncurry #1, Cloncurry #2 (Proposed), Dinmore, Giru, Halal export accredited, Innisfail, Kilcoy, Mt Isa, Northern QLD, Pentland, Queensland, Queensland abattoirs - regions, Ross River, Sheep processing abattoir, Southern QLD, Surat, Tolga, Townsville, Tully 22/03/2014 Leave a comment

North Queensland

Ayr abattoir (QLD)

Small processor located 90km south of Townsville, currently in operation

Biboohra abattoir (QLD)

Historical abattoir closed in 1927, Also known as Baron works, located near Mareeba.

Owned by MJ Munro, operated as a slaughterhouse in the early days and then a cannery.

Bowen abattoir (QLD)

Located 230km south of Townsville on the QLD coast.Was in operation at 1919, went through fires, labour disputes and temporary closures. Purchased by AMH, the final owners and permanently closed in 1997.

Cairns abattoir (QLD)

Cairns (more commonly known as Queerah meatworks) was located in far north QLD received cattle from mainly north Australia, often by Barge from the NT and Normanton that had travelled from the gulf of Carpentaria in the 1960’s to 1975. Began to export in 1950’s closed in 1989 as part of the AMH rationalisation strategy of its abattoir capacity through the 1980’s.

Camooweal abattoir (QLD)

Located 190km northwest of Mt Isa, small processor currently operating that supplies own butchery for retail.

Canon Vale (QLD)

A small local processor currently in operation, located 70 km south of Bowen between Townsville and Mackay.

Cape River abattoir (QLD)

Located  south west of Townsville. Closed in 1986 due to the AMH  rationalisation strategy of its abattoirs capacity through the 1980’s.

Pentland abattoir (QLD)

Built prior to WWII, At one stage was the 2nd largest meatworks in Queensland. Last owned by AMH consortium, closed in 1989

Ross River abattoir (QLD)

Built in 1882, QLD meat export agency formed supplied contracts for supply of product to England. Plagued by industrial action its whole operating life most notably in 19919 when a violent clash between the unions and police occurred. Been through ownership receiver, beef price crash, strikes, droughts and market changes. Smorgons meat processors, last owner collapses in 1994, facility closed in 1995. Site now developed as a residential site with only the chimney still remaining as a historic site.

Tolga abattoir (QLD)

Small processor currently operating near Cairns

Townsville – Stuart

Owned by JBS. Large beef processor located in far north QLD

Tully abattoir (QLD)

Small processor currently operating between Cairns and Townsville

Weipa abattoir (QLD)

Small local processor

Central Queensland

Charleville abattoir – goat processor (Central QLD)

A goat processing facility that is currently operating located in central QLD. This facility exports all its production. Has had past problems of securing visa workers to ensure ability to process production. Floods have affected operations and government costs while plant has been closed at different periods.

Clermont abattoir (QLD)

Small local processor

Cloncurry #1 abattoir (QLD)

Small local processor currently operating

Cloncurry #2, proposed abattoir (QLD)

Proposal sponsored by DAFF 2012. Consider establishment of an abattoir at Cloncurry to process cattle from north west QLD and NT. Based on processing 100,000 heavy cattle per year, costing $49M to build not including land or government services. Marginal return expected on investment.

El Arish abattoir (QLD)

Located near Innisfail, a small processor that is currently operating.

Giru abattoir (QLD)

Domestic abattoir currently operating south of Townsville

Innisfail abattoir (QLD)

Owned by CMG then Teys, Hit by cyclone Larry in 2006, never to be reopened, equipment scrapped and auctioned off in 2011.

Mt Isa abattoir (QLD)

Built in the war years and closed in 1986

Southern Queensland

Beenleigh abattoir (QLD)

Large facility owned by Teys, currently in operation located south of Brisbane.Recently had a number of wage disputes. Invests heavily in new technology to optimise labour efficencies, currently operating 2 shifts processing 1,300 cattle per day

Caboolture abattoir (QLD)

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

Dinmore abattoir (QLD)

The largest meat processing plant in Australia, currently operating and owned by JBS Australia. Located near Brisbane QLD.

Kilcoy abattoir (QLD)

Located northwest of Brisbane and primarily processes grainfed cattle. 4th largest abattoir in Australia, currently operating.

Oakey abattoir (QLD)

Located near Toowoomba, a large processing facility of mainly grain-fed beef, owned by Nippon. Currently processing up to 1300 animals per day. Has undergone significant upgrades to enable traceability for organic certification and assurances, with current work being carried out on methane gas collection. Problems in the past have been market fluctuations, unions and costs of production

Surat abattoir – Kangaroo processor (QLD)

Games meat abattoir located south of Roma. Processes Kangaroo. Started in mid 1980’s, possibly now closed due to floods, debt and costs of services to operate.

Queensland abattoirs listed – A-Z

Australian Abattoirs, Ayr, Beenleigh, Biboohra, Biloela, Bowen, Cairns, Camooweal, Cannon Vale, Cape River, Casino, Clermont, Cloncurry #1, Cloncurry #2 (Proposed), Dinmore, Giru, Innisfail, Kilcoy, Mt Isa, Pentland, Queensland, Queensland list A-Z, Ross River, Surat, Tolga, Townsville, Tully, Uncategorized, Weipa 21/03/2014 Leave a comment

These are the abattoirs currently listed on this blog, it is not complete of all actual operations at this point in time

Ayr abattoir (Nth QLD)

Beenleigh abattoir (Sth QLD).

Biboohra abattoir (Nth QLD)

Bowen abattoir (Nth QLD)

Caboolture Abattoir (QLD). Owned by Meramist Pty Ltd. A beef and horse processing facility.

Cairns abattoir ( Nth QLD)

Camooweal abattoir (Nth QLD)

Canon Vale (Nth QLD)

Cape River abattoir (Nth QLD)

Charleville abattoir – goat processor (Central QLD)

Clermont abattoir (Central QLD)

Cloncurry abattoir #1 (Central QLD)

Cloncurry #2. proposed abattoir (Central QLD)

Dinmore abattoir (Sth QLD)

El Arish (Nth QLD)

Giru abattoir (Nth QLD)

Innisfail abattoir (Nth QLD)

Kilcoy currently in operation

Mt Isa Owned by AMH, closed in 1986

Oakey abattoir (Sth QLD). Owned by Nippon. Currently operating.

Pentland (Cape River). Built originally prior to WWII, Eventually owned by AMH, closed 1989

Rockhampton – Lakes Creek Owned by Teys Australia, currently in operation.

Roma #2 (Proposed) Maronoa council seeking funding to conduct a feasibility study in 2014

Ross River Built in 1882, transformed from boiling down works to cannery to abattoir and meat processor. Finally owned by Smorgons closed 1995, Now demolished.

Surat (Wild game – kangaroo) Kangaroo processing facility, was in operation as at 2013

Tolga abattoir (QLD) 

Townsville Stuart  Owned by JBS, Currently in operation

Tully abattoir (Nth QLD)

Weipa Was in operation as at 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont

Australian Abattoirs, Clermont 16/03/2014 Leave a comment

Other Names

Current Operation

  • Currently in operation1

Location   


Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

Operation   

  • Small local processor

History

Year

Sources

  1. ‘Northern Australian beef Industry – Assessment of risks and opportunities’ ABARE. 2012.