Tag Archives: Australian co-operative abattoir

Colac #1

Australian Abattoirs, Colac, Victoria, Victorian abattoirs listed, Victorian meat processors 27/08/2014 Leave a comment

My thanks to the Colac Otway Shire council for their kindness in finding and lending me the book ’75 Years of meat processing in a proper manner – The Colac abattoir’ by Trish Stephens 2002.

 

Other Names

  • Colac Meat preserving company1
  • CRF

Current Operation

Location   

  • Colac is situated in South east Victoria, approximately 75km south east of Geelong

 

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Colac Shire Council1
  • Colac Shire Council and Colac City council1
  • Sherry Family (from 1965 – )1
  • Western District Meat Packing – 1965 – 1997
  • CRF (Colac Otway Pty Ltd) 1997

Operation   

History

1837

  • Hugh Murray established a camp on the Barongarook creek that became the Colac settlement (pg1)1
    • Name Colac was taken from the local Aboriginal tribe (Pg 1)1

1859

  • Thomas Austin from the Winchelsea district imported the first wild rabbits (Pg 1)1

1870

  • Wild rabbits had developed by this time into plague proportions.(Pg 1)1
  • Rabbit preserving factory –  the first industry in Colac was developed.(Pg 1)1

1871

  • Colac Meat Preserving Company begins operation.(Pg 1)1
    • Set up by Farrington and Hamilton on the South west boundary of town.(Pg 1)1
    • 400 couples of rabbits delivered for initial processing.(Pg 1)1

1872

  • Company wound up due to lack of markets.(Pg 1)1
    • Many locals who had subscribed to the company lost their funds.(Pg 1)1

1873

  • Another preserving company established – to preserve beef and mutton.(Pg 1)1
    • Cattle and sheep prices were so high the company mainly preserved rabbit over the next 10 years.(Pg 1)1

1875

  • Colac shire council pass a resolution to consider suitable sites for an abattoir.(Pg 2)1

1888

  • Beef and mutton preserving company closed.(Pg 1)1

1912

  • Colac still has no abattoir and slaughterhouses are processing animals from saleyards.(Pg 3)1
    • facilities are un-hygienic and many sites exist that the health inspectors of the time were unable to supervise.(Pg 3)1

    “… a place where animals can be slaughtered in a proper manner.” Shire Inspector – AA McCune. (Inside cover)1

    • A report is written to the shire to consider establishing an abattoir similar to the new facility at Warrnambool.(Pg 3)1

1924

  • Colac Shire were the first shire in Victoria to establish its own municipal abattoir. (Pg 4)1
  • Colac shire committed 20,000 pounds to the project. (Pg 4)1
    • there was opposition to the project from some members of the public and butchers.(Pg 4)1
    • 17 acre site near the railway line at Colac East.(Pg 4)1
  • Abattoir design was based on estimate of annual slaughtering.(Pg 4)
    • 2,300 cattle – killing costs 2 shillings per head.(Pg 4)1
    • 22,880 sheep – Killing costs 6 pence.(Pg 4)1
    • 540 pigs – killing costs 6 pence.(Pg 4)1
    • 5,000 calves – killing costs 1 shilling.(Pg 4)1
    • These values the Colac  council expected to raise sufficent funds to pay for the loan and provide a surplus of 500 pounds per annum.(Pg 4)1
  • Abattoir was made of reinforced concrete – which was a relatively new building product at the time.(Pg 4)1

“The building was of concrete and included beef killing, beef hanging, mutton and pork, pig dressing and offal rooms. There was also a chilling chamber, air lock, chilling plant, hot water system and drainage system. Electric light and power was installed and water laid on from the Colac Scheme. In all there were twenty seperate rooms” The Shire of Colac 1864-1964. (Pg 4)1

1925

  • Colac abattoir offically opened. (Pg 6)1
  • Early days of operation labourer advertisement to pay 4 pounds 10 shillings per week. (Pg 6)1
    • 75 men applied for the one position. (Pg 6)1
  • Individual butchers’ slaughteryards were phased out.1
  • Slaughtermen in the abattoirs were adept at slaughter and dressing with none of today’s automation to assist them. (Pg 7)1
    • slaughtermen dragged sheep from the pen, rolled on the animal on its side, cut the throat, skinned, hung and dressed (gutted and cut off the legs.). (Pg 7)1
  • First method of killing beef was spearing. (Pg 8)1
    • Slaughterman would stand over the top of the beast in a crush, using a 3/4 inch blade on a long handled spear drive it into the back of the animals head – severing the spinal cord. (Pg 8)1
      • animal then rolled onto grate to be bled. (Pg 8)1
    • Captive bolt method of killing was introduced latter – pistol fired a hollow bolt into the back of the neck killing the animal, bolt retracted into the gun. (Pg 8)1
    • Early method to kill pigs was to strike them with a pronged hammer on the forehead.(Pg 14)1
      • Latter animals were electrocuted with a clamp to each side of the head. (Pg 14)1

Insert picture – page 6 – Colac Municipal abattoir (Pg 6)1

1930

  • 2,000 animals were being slaughtered monthly with numbers increasing steadily.(Pg 8)1
  • Offal was picked up from the abattoir daily by truck and taken to a works. (Pg 8)1
    • boiled down and converted into meat meal, blood and bone and tallow.(Pg 8)1

1930’s & 1940’s

  • Various customers of the abattoir. (Pg 9)1
    • farmers having their own stock slaughtered for personal use.(Pg 9)1
    • Wholesale butchers for local butchers and sent to Melbourne meat markets.(Pg 9)1
    • Council had stock slaughtered and sent to Melbourne meat market – with skin on.(Pg 9)1

1938

  • Abattoir now controlled by a joint committee consisting of 3 representatives from each of 2 councils. (Pg 10)1
    • Arrangement caused problems in latter years. (Pg 10)1

1939

  • Special meeting of council agreed that increased accommodation, a drafting race and other improvments were urgently needed. (Pg 11)1

1940’s

  • Meat was loaded on trucks to be transported in the early morning to reach Melbourne markets.(Pg 11)1
  • Blood, bone and inedible offal was carried in bags to Camperdown. (Pg 11)1
  • Edible offal was sent to Newmarket. (Pg 11)1
  • Slaughtermen worked on contract killing. (Pg 12)1
  • Tuberculosis and Brucellosis infected cattle were inspected at properties and those found infected had a large arrow shaved onto their sides. (Pg 12)1
    • All TB cattle were consigned after slaughter to boiling down works. (Pg 12)1

1944

  • Meat Rationing introduced. (Pg 39)1
    • Those over 9 years old – 1 and 1/2 pounds high quality to 4 pounds low quality per week. (Pg 39)1
    • Under 9 years old half of that ration. (Pg 39)1
    • Coupons were issued. (Pg 39)1
    • Rationing continued until 1948. (Pg 39)1
    • Home delivery by butchers wasn’t allowed. (Pg 39)1

1948

  • Boiling works was already in operation at Colac site at this time.(Pg21)1

1958

  • Western District Meat Packing Company (WDMP) set up by Vic Sherry.(Pg22)1

1960’s

  • Most stock sourced from the Western District.(Pg 17)1
    • Occasionally was shipped in from Tasmania.(Pg 17)1
    • One occasion bought by train from Adelaide.(Pg 17)1
  • Meat distribution went over a wide area of the western district of Victoria.(Pg 17)1
  • Shared ownership was causing management problems.(Pg 19)1
    • Shire Council offered 35,000 pounds to City Council to buy their share.(Pg 19)1
    • Offer was initially refused but then increased to 40,000 pounds and accepted.(Pg 19)1
  • Slaughter of animals – Calves hit on the head with an iron bar(Pg 19)1
    • From 1957 to early 60’s calve carcases sent to Melbourne with skins on.(Pg 19)1

1963

  • Previous 3 years Council spent 6,877 pounds on improvements and extensions including installation of additional chilling space.(Pg 19)1
  • Year ending 30th September(Pg 19)1
    • 182,890 animals slaughtered, monthly average 15,000 head.(Pg 19)1
  • Renewal of export registration for slaughter of cattle and sheep Establishment #142.(Pg 18)1
  • Colac now slaughtering 90 head a day for the USA beef export market.(Pg 19)1
    • Americans put more and more pressure on the shire to upgrade the plant.(Pg 19)1
    • Shire was disinclined to increase costs to ratepayers and was unable to meet necessary export requirements – relinquished export licence May 1964.(Pg 19)1
  • Colac processing beef for the canning trade.(Pg 19)1

1964

  • Relinquished export licence to USA .(Pg 19)1
  • Western District Meat packing company obtain an order from Greece for 300 head, boned out into lean beef packs.(P22)1

1965

  •  Commonwealth Meat Authority announce that ‘slaughtermen at municpal abattoirs must be under the one control’.(Pg 19)1
  • Colac abattoir slaughtermen worked under contract to the operators who used the abattoir.(Pg 19)1
    • a situation not easily altered.(Pg 19)1
    • Shire was faced with a serious dilemma about the future of the works.(Pg 19)1

“The main reason why the Council decided to sell was because it was an enormous expense on loan funds (273,000 pounds had been quoted for improvements so that an export licence for the United States could be obtained and the licences for the U.K and Europe retained) and Council would not be able to make it pay, It could not be able to be made pay unless Council acquired the boiling down works owned by Mr Sherry” Colac Herald 11.06.1965.(Pg 24)1

  • When Sherry family decided to purchase works objections were made regarding sale (Pg 24)1
    • Lodged by a competitior but later revealed was local butchers (Pg 24)1
    • Butchers attempted to form a co-operative to buy the abattoir themselves (Pg 24)1
  • Sherry Family purchase the Colac abattoir.(Pg 20)1
    • Sale agreement contained clauses governing the operation of the facility for the next 15 years (Pg 25)1
    • Safegaurded the butchers interests (Pg 24)1
    • Sherry family had connections with the abattoir for many years prior to purchase contracted to process the by-products.(Pg 20)
    • By-products facility operated at the abattoir with product shipped to Melbourne.(Pg 20)1
    • Another firm Pannifax already processed some by products.(Pg 20)1
      • Oesophagi lining – used for special sausage skins.(Pg 20)1
      • Dried sausage skins used for strings on tennis racquets.(Pg 20)1
      • Sheep, trotters and cows feet and noses to sell for gelatine.(Pg 20)1
    • Vic Sherry started an operation in 1952/53 – called Colac By-products.(Pg 21)1
      • produced high quality tallow, meat meal used in stock and dog food, blood and bone.(Pg 21)1
      • Dried ends of cow tails for paint brushes.(Pg 21)1
  • Western District Meat Packing Company with 2 other Australian companies selected for export trial of 150 tonne order to Yugoslavia. (Pg 22)1
  • Other export markets at this time included Malta, Egypt, Malaya, Britian, West Indies, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and France. (Pg 22)1

1966

  • Piggery department was closed.(Pg 26)1
    • Costs of upgrading the piggery to Australian standards became too great. (Pg 26)1
    • Killing of pigs became uneconomical. (Pg 26)1

1975

  • Western District Meat Packing section closes. (Pg 28)1
    • Machiney in the by-products section of the business was run almost entirely on oil. (Pg 28)1
    • Oil prices rose dramatically. (Pg 28)1
    • Competitive edge of business was lost.(Pg 28)1

1976

  • WDMP – Business focused on home markets (Pg 28)1
    • $250,000 improvements were completed (Pg 28)1
    • 8% increase in staff (Pg 28)1
    • Output of mutton section more than doubled to 1,000 sheep a day (Pg 28)1
  • 7 department of health inspectors kept watch on quality of meat (Pg 28)1
  • 85% of meat processed through abattoir (30 tonnes per night) carted to Melbourne (Pg 28)1
  • Abattoir processing chain moves from solo slaughtering to chain methods (Pg 30)1
    • Once installed the record of 234 beef carcases processed in one day is set (Pg 31)1

1978

  •  Colac abattoir now employs 185 people (Pg 29)1
    • Largest employer in the town (Pg 29)1
  • Australian Meat substitution scandal causes irreparable damage to the industry overall and WDMP is forced to sell its 14 retail shops (Pg 29)1

1980

  • Work ceased for 6 weeks (Pg 32)1
  • Late 1980’s women were allowed to be employed in the boning room and later on the chain. (Pg 32)1
  • Colac was one of the few meatworks in Victoria to gain a full licence to sell produce to every state. (Pg 32)1

1981

  • Colac slaughter lambs for Coles Supermarkets1
    • initially 500 per week, by 1989 5,000 per week (Pg 34)1

1989

  • Colac abattoir now slaughtering 5,000 lambs per week for Coles Supermarkets (Pg 34)1

1990

  • Colac now employs 100 people on the chain and boning room plus 20 office workers, 4 buyers and 2 drovers (Pg 34)1

1992

  • Coles is now Colac’s major business with an arrangement that all Coles stock to be slaughtered at Colac (Pg 34)1

1993

  • Colac receive  an award ‘to encourage and reward innovation throughout the entire meat industry’ (Pg 34)1
    • Installed a system that altered the small stock slaughter chain.(Pg 34)1
      • Based on a New Zealand system.(Pg 34)1
      • more hygienic with less micro contamination.(Pg 34)1
      • better-looking carcase.(Pg 34)1
      • carcase lasted longer.(Pg 34)1
      • Development costs $40,000, expected to return $80-$100,000.(Pg 34)1

1996

  • March. Member of Polwarth Ian Smith announces a multi million dollar development at the abattoir. (Pg 34)1
    • Include food processing plant, abattoir, packing and boiling down facility.(Pg 34)1
    • Included meat packing for export.(Pg 34)1
    • create 700 jobs.(Pg 34)1
    • Plan never came to fruition. (Pg 34)1

1997

  • August. Business goes into receivership. (Pg 34)1
    • Voluntary administrators are appointed. (Pg 34)1
  • November. Colac Otway Shire are notified that the meatworks was in receivorship. (Pg 35)1
  • Council decide to purchase the assets and business from the receiver and seen new investment from the private sector. (Pg 35)1
  • Closure of the facility would have been disastorous for Colac.(Pg 35)1
    • Large number of workers placed on social security.(Pg 35)1
    • lowering of house values in an already depressed market.(Pg 35)1
    • whole families leaving town.(Pg 35)1
    • Snowball effect on other businesses and service providers.(Pg 35)1
  • Research was conducted. (Pg 36)1
    • Meat industry was undergoing massive changes but the Colac facility could accomodate these changes.(Pg 36)1
      • Location.(Pg 36)1
      • access to quality stock.(Pg 36)1
      • High quality water.(Pg 36)1
      • skilled workforce available that could be quickly and easily retained.(Pg 36)1
      • Site already had a planning permit.(Pg 36)1
    • Council went ahead with business plan to attract a new investor.(Pg 36)1
  • December. Colac Otway Shire council enter agreement with liquidators indemnifying them from losses.(Pg 36)1
    • Liquidators operated facility from 15th December 1997 to 19th January 1998.(Pg 36)1

1998

  • January. Liquidators operate facilities to 19th January 1998.(Pg 36)1
  • The Shire obtains an domestic licence and signs contracts with liquidators.(Pg 36)1
  • August. Operation run at a loss by Shire to this date.(Pg 36)1
  • Main focus to reestablish busines. (Pg 36)1
    • Maintain good relationship with Coles .(Pg 36)1
    • Maintain wholesale operation and distribution business.(Pg 36)1
  • Coles re-enter the boning operations.(Pg 36)1
  • 25% of the workers previously employed by liquidators shed but no direct sackings occured.(Pg 36)1
  • No new employment created, places filled by casuals.(Pg 36)1
  • 80 permanent employees and 50 casuals employed.(Pg 36)1
  • Now processing 2,000 lambs and 100 beef a day.(Pg 36)1
  • Shire Council was under immense pressure, taking a huge risk to keep the facility in operation1
    • pressure came from. (Pg 36)1
      • unions. (Pg 36)1
      • fluctuating marketplace. (Pg 36)1
      • fact that facility didn’t meet National Standards. (Pg 36)1
      • Uncertainty of government support. (Pg 36)1

1999

  • June. Development agreement is signed. (Pg 37)1
  • Victorian meat authority are pressuring shire – Licence was due to expire 30th June.(Pg 37)1
  • August. Licence negotiated and extended to 13th August. (Pg 37)1
  • Building of new plant begins. (Pg 37)1
    • export standard meat processing facility. (Pg 37)1
  • Facility to be run by privately owned company CRF (Colac Otway Pty Ltd). (Pg 37)1

2000

  • March. Licence negoitated to further extension 31st March.(Pg 37)1
  • Killing only lambs for Coles.(Pg 37)1
  • Retention of workers ensured atleast 80 full time and 50 casual positions retained.(Pg 37)1
  • Expect further 150 positions when CRF operating to capacity.(Pg 37)1
  • $50M direct annual turnover expected.(Pg 37)1
    • Multiplier impact of conservative $10M per annum in the local economy.(Pg 37)1

 2010

  • February. Crisis of animal supply due to weather, National flock numbers low and high sheep prices.
    • Colac abattoir stops employing casual staff
    • Some Victorian saleyards lambs $170 a head
      • processors losing $50 a head on prime lamb
    • Problems expected to last at least another 12 months
  • National sheep flock has plunged from 170M in 1990 to below 70M
    • prolonged drought and low wool prices
    • farmers forced to leave industry or trim numbers
  • Soaring Aussie dollar has made sheep expensive on the international market
  • Colac currently employing 400
    • Still operating 2 shifts a day
  • Live export through Portland also expected to curtail during winter as stock become scarce
  • Australian Lamb Company (ALC) – use Colac abattoir currently processing 2,800 lambs a week through Colac
    • ALC in peak times were processing 5,000 lambs.

 

Sources

  1. ’75 Years of Meat Processing in a proper manner – The Colac abattoir’ Trish Stephens 2002.

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

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

Harden

Australian Abattoirs, Harden, New South Wales, Sheep processing abattoir 21/05/2014 Leave a comment

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

Other Names

  • None known.

Current Operation

  • Closed 20065

Location   

  • Harden is located in south west NSW, 30km south of Young

 

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • General Manager – Glen Crebs (American)1
  • Southern Meats – Manager Neville Newton2

Other abattoirs in Australia

Go to this link to view Location of Australian Abattoirs

abattoirs_edited-1   

Operation

  • Sole purpose was to process lambs for the American market1
    • Primarily for the North American market7
  • Boning room is purpose built for further processing of customer orders.7
  • Skins collected are processed at Goulburn to drum salt stage7
  • Employs 150 people2 
  • Brands – Fine Brand, Country Meadow, Southern Cross.7

History

1970’s

  • Plant was built by the local council3

1980

  • facility sold to private business3

1987

  • November. Harden facility is listed as a Domestic meat processing site10.
    • Operated as Harden Slaughterhouse10

1995

  • Glen Crebs came to site when smaller abattoir existed, joint venture of operation was created.1

1998

  • opened as joint venture with Superior Farms USA.1
  • facility was refurbished in the late 1990’s3
  • Converted to an export-only meatworks supplying high quality lamb to overseas markets3

1999

  • USA considering placing tarriff on Australian and New Zealand lamb in response to calls from the struggling Americal lamb industry1
    • USA trade is worth more than $100M each year1
  • 10,000 lambs slaughtered at Harden each week,1
    • all cut to suit USA market demand1
      • racks, not chops1
      • sold as ‘Country Meadow Austral American Brand’1
  • June. If increased tarriffs are implemented by USA it would be worst-case scenerio for Harden1
  • Note of a recent event that occured in the region; the loss of jobs at Harden abattoir affecting lamb producers following the US lamb tariff decision4

2001

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20026, Harden and Goulburn abattoir (NSW)
    • Ranked 10th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20016
    • Throughput 65,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)6
    • Turnover $225M6

2002

  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20026, Harden and Goulburn abattoir (NSW) combined.
    • Ranked 12th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20026
    • Throughput 49,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)6
    • Kill share 1.8%6
    • Turnover $206M6
    • Total staff 7006

2003

  • Plant forced to shut down for 3 months as stock numbers dwindled.3
    • Closed due to supply shortage during the drought.9
  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20037, Harden and Goulburn abattoir (NSW) combined.
    • Ranked 14th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20027
    • Throughput 46,675 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)7
    • Turnover $180M7

 2004

  • Now owned by Southern Meats Goulburn2
    • with an American consortium3
    • Authors note – some articles show Southern meats owned the plant prior to 2004, I’m not sure if 2004 is just when the American consortium joined.
  • June. Plant staff had been stood down2
    • 120 full time staff.2
  • Last 18 months meatworks in Woy Woy, Mudgee abattoir (NSW), Orange, Forbes abattoir (NSW) have all closed, loss of close to 500 jobs.3
  • July. closed, possibly for the next 2 years.2
    • Situation hasn’t been good for 2-3 last years2
    • expected to stay closed at least for 12 months and possibly longer3
      • effects of the worst drought on record continue to be felt in the region3
      • “Until the drought breaks there is a lot of uncertainty all through the bush. The company really had no option but to close down” Harden Mayor, Chris Manchester3
  • Major problem facing industry was lack of growth in Australian sheep flock2
    • skyrocketing cost of lambs in recent years2
    • Breaking even on selling lambs at $100 but paying $150.2
    • Lamb prices in general were higher than what the US can pay2
  • Southern Meats Pty Ltd – figures for year ending December 20047, Harden and Goulburn abattoir (NSW) combined.
    • Ranked 10th in Top 25 Australian beef and Sheepmeat processors for 20047
    • Throughput 55,000 ETCW (estimated tonnes carcase weight)7
    • Kill share 2.6%7
    • Turnover $185M7
    • Total staff 4807
    • Productio split 95% export, 5% domestic7
    • Species split 75% sheep, 25% lamb7

2005

  • August. Abattoir wil re-open as lamb numbers increase across the region.9

2006

  • September. Operated for early part of 2006 before being shut permanently  and broken up.8
  • Abattoir closed5
    • 130 jobs lost5
  • Boning and packing facilities continued to be leased to others who processed stock11

2008

  • Local producers start Argyle Meat business11.
    • Lachlan and Andrina Graham11
      • Integrated supply chain meat business that leased the boning and packing facilities11.

2014

  • July. Argyle Meats who had been leasing the boning and packing facilities at this time move their operation to the former dairy factory at Nowra11
    • Nowra facility was more high-tech11

Sources

  1. ‘Unkindest cut for small town abattoir’ Sydney Morning Herald 14.06.1999
  2. ‘Harden abattoir closes; Goulburns future uncertain’ Goulburn Post 11.07.2004
  3. ‘Abattoir cuts 150 jobs’ AMIEU Archives. 05.07.2004
  4. Regional radio inquiry submission – Federation of Australian radio broadcasters limited. November 2000.
  5. ‘Positive outlook for Harden in 2014’ Harden Murrumburrah Express 13.12.2013
  6. Feedback’s Top 25 beef and sheepmeat processors for 2002.
  7. Feedback’s Top 25 red meat processors for 2004
  8. Feedback’s Top 25 red meat processors for 2006.
  9. ‘Harden abattoir reopens boosting local economy’ NSW ABC country hour. 17.06.2005
  10. List. Nov 1987.
  11. ‘Manildra Group’s meaty move’ http://www.farmonline.com.au

Forbes #656. NSW

Australian Abattoirs, Beef processing abattoir, Forbes, New South Wales 21/05/2014 Leave a comment

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.

Other Names

  • Lachley meats

Current Operation

  • Unknown

Location   

  • Forbes is located approximately 600km east of Sydney in central NSW, Abattoir located in the Lachlan valley.4

Forbes

Forbes #2

Hema Maps – Australia Truckies atlas.

Owner

  • Lachley Meats ( when closed 2003)1
    • Owned from 1988-20034
    • Japanese owned – The Hannan Corporation2
  • Tasman Group4
    • Currently operates other abattoirs.4

Operation   

  • export beef works2
  • Specialised in grainfed beef for Japanese and Korean Markets5
  • 170ha site, that is 8km from the CWLX livestock selling centre14.

picture 2013._edited-1Source – ‘Abattoir industry in disastous state’ ABC Rural. 16.02.2010.
Forbes abattoir also known as Lachley meats.

History of Forbes #656.

1950’s

  • Built

1987

  • Liberalisation of Japanese beef markets meant reduced import quotas and reduced import tariffs over the next 3 years. (Pg 82)9

1988

  • Plant in operation at this point1.
  • Lachley meats take over2
    • Trading company Mitsubishi were important investors in Australian beef cattle lot feeding and were involved in ‘paddock to plate’ supply chain control. Mitsubishi invested in Lachley meats and Mid Coast Meats – Macksville NSW.(Pg 124)7
    • Japanese firms invested in Australia feedlots and processing facilities especially in QLD, in order to supply the liberalised Japanese market, to ensure product quality and safety standards and to create a more secure supply chain for their parents in Japan (pg 123)7
    • Cattle feedlots in Australia had increased in the 1960’s solely to supply the Japanese markets, when the 1974 (Oil Crisis) occured massive losses occured to Australian feedlotters and producers with little impact on the Japanese buyers as they had little equity in the investments. When trade was rebuilt Japanese importers had to invest in the feedlots to share some of the risk (Pg 81)9

1997

  • At this point Forbes abattoir is Aus-meat registered as an Export Beef, sheep facility11
    • Operator – Lachley meats (Forbes) P/L11

2003

  • August. Abattoir closes.1
  • 170 permanent employees, plus another 70 part-time1
    • company committed to meet all workers entitlements1
  • Another article cites 300 jobs were lost due to the Forbes abattoir closure
  • Forbes abattoir at one stage had employed up to 450 people14
    • 4.5% of the then Forbes population14
  • Unlike Cities of Geelong and Illawarra when Ford factory and Bluescope steel closed, Forbes didn’t receive anywhere near the same level of government support14.
    • Both cities had received about $25M together14.
  • Lachley closed operations rather than invest in capital in a plant that had a bad trading history since 19881
  • Japanese owned pulled the plug on further financial support.2
    • citing high operating costs of an aged plant2
    • shortage of labour2
    • capital requirements needed to comply with by-products results since acquisition in 19882
  • Hannon Corporation was the 2nd largest importer of beef into Japan3
    • Owned a plant in Japan that could process up to 150,000 head a year3
  • Increased tariff on beef imports by Japan earlier had claimed it’s first Australian victim3
    • Major factors are the economic situation in Japan3
    • Situation in Australia and markets is exasperated by the drought3
  • All creditors and liabilities will be paid out in full2
  • Abattoir had closed and re-opened 3 times in the last 20 years.2
  • Local council willing to help to facilitate sale of plant as abattoir or conversion to some other type of factory6
    • Money was available for industrial developement6
    • Special abattoir displacement retraining fund to help retrain people through TAFE6
    • Assist in reducing costs of worker’s compensation, public liability and insurances overall, “..because abattoirs pay right at the top of all those services and that is working against abatttoirs in general” Member for Lachlan Ian Armstrong.6
  • Closure of the abattoir would impact by taking a major premium buyer for cattle out of the market throughout the region.6
  • December. Abattoir sold to Tasman Group services.4
  • Tasman Group also operate Brooklyn (Vic) and Altona (Vic), Yarrawonga (NSW) Longford (Tas) and King Island (Tas)4
    • Also feedlot Yambinya – Wakool4

2010

    • Six red meat abattoirs in Central NSW have closed since 200313
    • Outlook for the sector looks bleak13
      • “It’s disastrous. There are too many processing abattoirs out there and not enough animals to slaughter” Neville Newton, Goulburn abattoir operator13
  • There are currently 29 red meat abattoirs in NSW, down 30% 10 years ago13

2011

  • May. Equipment from the Killarney #22Q. QLD abattoir is used to refurbish Forbes10
    • Equipment is kept in storage and not actually installed but is included in sale deal offered September 201614
  • Sale of facility is thought to have occurred about this time – Australian owner14.

2013

  • Abattoir to be re-opened, had be closed last decade.8
  • Will be over 12 months before improvements are carried out and plant in operation.8

2014

  • NSW Government is questioned if it will offer potential buyers of the Forbes abattoir financial assistance12.
    • Governments reply – Mr Ian Armstrong, Minister of Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra and Minister for Small business answers that the NSW government would be willing to work with any potential buyer of Forbes abattoir12
    • Grafton #157 NSW had received financial assistance in the past12

2016

  • September. Forbes abattoir attracted strong overseas investment enquiry – principally Chinese10
    • With a view to re-opening as a beef processing plant10
    • Half of the 10 or so interested parties in the purchase were overseas interests10
      • Looking to vertically integrate10
  • Some investors looking to demolish the plant entirely and build a brand new facility14
    • One Korean interest is looking for an Australian shareholder partner14
  • Other facilities in Australia listed for sale at this time

Source ‘Three meat processing plants hit the market…’ Beef Central 14.09.2016

Forbes abattoir

  • Three abattoirs are on at the market in Australia at this time14.
  • Equipment removed from the Killarney abattoir in 2011 kept in storage is included in the sale deal offered at this time14
  • Current owner of Forbes abattoir is thought to have owned the site for 4-5 years14.
  • Stockyards, ponds and office infrastructure are intact at this point in time14
  • October 6. Forbes abattoir site is auctioned14

Source Ian Simpson Property sale advert.

2018

 

Sources of Forbes #656

  1. ‘Dubbo stands while Forbes falls’ Daily Liberal. 21.08.2003
  2. ‘Meat jobs go at Forbes’ The Land. 28.08.2003
  3. ‘Agriculture’ The World trade review. 16-30 September 2003
  4. ‘Abattoirs revived’ Stock and Land 24.12.2003
  5. ‘Meatworks jobs saved’ The Land 25.12.2003
  6. ‘Council offers aid as abattoir closes’ ABC News 22.08.2003
  7. ‘Japanese investment in the World economy: extract’ Roger Farrell.
  8. ‘Forbes council confirms towns abattoir be re-opened after a decade in mothballs.’ ABC Rural. 30.08.2013
  9. World on a plate. Stephen Martyn 2014
  10. ‘Chinese still showing interest in processing assets’ Beef Central 04.10.2016
  11. Aus meat registration list July 1997
  12. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au. Questions 18.09.2003
  13. ‘Abattoir industry in disastrous state’ ABC Rural 16.02.2010
  14. ‘Three meat processing plants hit the market – What’s behind it? Beef Central 14.09.2016
  15. https://www.ruralview.com.au/Real-Estate/1-lachley-street-forbes-nsw/Property-Details-buy-rural-10479908.html. viewed 04.03.2018

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