Press Release

PGA President Rob Gillam has welcomed the new State Government’s decision to proceed with WA’s livestock selling infrastructures and upgrades as a vital service to agriculture.

“Today’s announcement by Premier Colin Barnett and Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman that construction of the Muchea Livestock Centre will commence with a $54.54million funding package, is welcome news.”

“The starting, stalling and politicisation of Muchea by previous Labor governments has been a major barrier to industry-wide improvement, because viable saleyards are fundamental to the dispersal and exchange of livestock right across Western Australia.

Mr Gillam said the new Barnett government through Agriculture Minister Terry Redman, had acted quickly to lift a tonne of red tape wrapped around the saleyards issue.

 “This is a facility funded by the proceeds of our previous Midland saleyards, which were sold off as a result of WA Inc. The industry has been forced to use a publicly condemned workplace at Midland, at a time when the meat industry in WA is facing significant challenges.

“The Minister has shown his commitment to supporting a progressive approach to the industry and to producers through his efforts to push this matter through.

“With Muchea finally resolved, we now look forward to the Minister progressing the upgrades of key regional saleyards in WA”.