Agriculture Minister Ernie Bridge today presented a cheque for $15,000 to the Kimberley Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee.
The committee - which met for the first time today - was established by the Minister to assess and promote new market opportunities for the local pastoral industry.
Its members include local pastoral industry, business and Government representatives.
Mr Bridge said the committee would spend the next six months identifying and assessing opportunities for growth and innovation in the Kimberley pastoral industry.
"This will involve looking at such things as the variety of markets available, the ability of Kimberley stations to supply them, management changes and frameworks which may be needed to ensure supply, actions to facilitate the marketing of Kimberley cattle, and cattle product development," Mr Bridge said.
Mr Bridge told the committee today that their input as members of the industry was crucial to developing a real action plan.
"I want to impress upon each of you the opportunity that is being given to you to be involved in determining the future direction of your industry," the Minister said.
"My expectations are that we will together come out with a very good understanding of what is required to capture new markets and get the industry moving forward."
Members include Karen and Keith Anderson (Jubilee); Robin Barrett (Beverley Springs); David Bradley (Carlton/Ivanhoe); Jeff Gooding (Department of State Development); Bruce Gray (Liveringa & Nerrima); Annette and John Henwood (Fossil Downs); Pat Lacy (Mt Elizabeth); Bob and Cheryl McCorry (Kimberley Downs); Peter McCumstie (Chamber of Commerce/Shire); Peter McEntee (Louisa Downs); Jimmy Shandly (Mt Pierre); Jay Simms (Shamrock); Andrew Watson (Department of Agriculture), and Harry Watson (Mt Anderson).
Executive support will be provided by Mr David Buerle, officer in charge of the Derby Department of Agriculture, and Dr George Gardiner, a consultant from the East Kimberley.
