The NT Livestock ExportersAssociation officially opened its new and improved Berrimah Export Yards today,a job-creating election promise completed thanks to a grant from the TerritoryLabor Government.
The project has involved severalTerritory firms, including Yingwati Pty Ltd (civil works), Top End Sheds, MMCand Jakes Steel & Welding (construction), and Taylors Fencing NT (fit-outof the site).
The facility improves the supplychain by allowing for wet season operations, and offers improved animal welfareconditions year-round. The sheds have been specially designed to increase airflowand lower temperatures so cattle are well fed, well sheltered and comfortableyear-round.
Quotes from Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles:
The Territory Labor Governmentinvested in this facility to grow the sector and create jobs.
This project created local jobsand proved Territory businesses have the capacity when it comes to huge,multi-million dollar projects.
To see this project completed,with its doors open ready to support the live export industry - one of the maindrivers of the Territory economy - is incredible.
Darwin is the port of choice forcattle exports in Northern Australia. With more than 380,000 cattle exportedout of Darwin in the past 12 months, this industry plays a vital role in Australiasrelationships with South-East Asia and the Territorys relationship with thesegrowing markets.
With Darwin Port located lessthan 2km away, the facility is ideally placed to get cattle in the bestpossible condition for export.
We listened to what the industryneeded to succeed and this stunning facility is the impressive result.
Quotes from David Warriner, Chair Northern Territory Livestock ExportAssociation
Without the ongoing support forthis project from Minister Vowles, his Government and many Northern Territorybusinesses, none of this would have been possible.
While there is often negativepublicity around livestock exports, today is a day where we can celebrategovernment and industry working together to deliver a facility that will benefitNT cattle, NT businesses and the NT Livestock industry for years to come.
This facility is a testament towhat can be achieved in the Northern Territory when industry and government cometogether and commit to real investments that offer real-long term benefits.
