Agriculture and North-West Minister Ernie Bridge today announced a package of strategic measures designed to provide a new focus for the future development of the Kimberley cattle and beef industry.
The measures were recommended by the Kimberley pastoral industry advisory committee in its final report, released by the Minister in Derby today.
All 21 recommendations in the report have been endorsed by Mr Bridge.
The committee, comprising local pastoralists and business people, was established by Mr Bridge six months ago to identify opportunities for innovation and growth in the Kimberley cattle industry.
"What has resulted is a comprehensive package of measures prepared by and supported by the industry to take advantage of the many opportunities now identified for Kimberley cattle," Mr Bridge said.
"The report is practical and constructive and a benchmark for the industry's future in both the domestic and international arenas."
A feature of the package was the planned formation of an industry development team, comprising key industry and Government representatives, to jointly manage industry projects and oversee future growth.
Mr Bridge said the State Government had allocated $1.3 million this financial year for development of the Kimberley cattle industry, and the industry development team would be directly involved in managing those funds.
Other key recommendations supported by the Minister include a feasibility study into value-adding opportunities, and a campaign to further develop markets for Kimberley cattle.
"The Kimberley beef industry is vital to the region's growth, and important to the Western Australian cattle industry as a whole," he said.
"Now that markets for Kimberley beef have been secured in South East Asia, we need to increase herd production and improve herd management techniques to maintain a quality product which can be marketed both in Australia and overseas.
"The Kimberley region has a tremendous advantage over other Australian producers because of its closeness to the expanding Asian market, and the demand for both high grade, chilled beef and for live cattle is expected to continue to grow.
"To maximise market share, we must continue to offer a good product and be prepared to alter production as required to suit the whims of the marketplace. If we do not, others will."
Mr Bridge urged producers and others in the community interested in progressing the future of the cattle and beef industry to nominate for the industry development team.
