Calm needed on live export discussion
AUSTRALIAN cattle producers are seeking a calm and focused discussion about the long-term vision for Australia’s beef industry, following renewed calls in the past week for federal support for domestic processing over live exporting.
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The whole beef supply chain, including the processing sector, is being challenged by the drought-induced decline in cattle numbers.
Nonetheless, it is essential to the profitability of the whole industry that a balanced, long-term vision – including strategies to rebuild the national herd – is maintained.
Beef producers must have access to multiple markets that are globally competitive to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
With this in mind, the whole beef industry must work together to ensure that both processor and live export supply chains are as efficient and competitive as possible.
The Cattle Council of Australia has previously stated its strong opposition to calls for market intervention by government to manipulate Australia’s beef supply chain, because producers are strong supporters of free markets.
Government intervention at any point in the supply chain will ultimately risk market failure, and that would ultimately harm cattle producers and the entire beef industry, including those working in the processing sector.
Difficult market conditions can never be attributed to any single factor.
Seasonal conditions, global supply, exchange rates and market access all contribute to the price paid for cattle and beef at any one time.
What’s more, cattle supply issues being used to drive political agendas during the election campaign is not helpful to anyone involved in Australia’s beef industry.
We are entering an unprecedented period of global demand for protein.
We must not put constraints on our supply chains – we must invest in our markets and remove impediments, so they can prosper and create jobs.
Howard Smith, Cattle Council of Australia president
Ridiculous hotel decision
IN MAY, the Development Consent Authority approved the development of a hotel in Second Street, on the site of the present Big Ass Grill.
The site formerly housed the Bucking Bull Cafe.
It is proposed to convert the existing premises into an Australiana-themed hotel with three bars, live and recorded amplified music, and nightclub-style entertainment.
Despite the Katherine Town Council being strongly opposed to the development and an objection from the Catholic Parish of Katherine, the DCA consented to the project.
The objection was based on the likelihood of an increased level of antisocial behaviour in the area, and a higher noise level across the road from a church, where regular evening services are conducted.
Two Katherine aldermen were on the DCA’s five-person panel, together with another Katherine resident when consent for the project was given.
The locals, however, have no input into matters such as antisocial behaviour and noise pollution.
The assessment checklist that they must comply with pertains only to car parking, landscaping, stormwater drainage, easements and a number of other minor matters.
While the project certainly has no social license, before it can proceed, a liquor licence must be obtained.
Considering the furore over alcohol in Katherine at the moment, it will be interesting to see whether the NT Licensing Commission grants a new license.
The developers, of course, must advertise an application for a liquor license, so there are bound to be numerous objections.