Australian Agricultural Company Limited (AAco) is proposing a new, state-of-the art meat processing facility at Livingstone Valley in the Northern Territory.
The facility would process more than 1000 head of cattle a day at full capacity, producing export beef products, hides and rendered products for the export markets in the USA, Asia and Europe.
Stock would be sourced from the northern areas of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, supporting northern Australia’s cattle industry where there are currently no processing facilities.
This new facility would allow cattle to be processed locally, reducing transport and freight costs, as well as carcase weight loss for northern producers who currently need to truck live cattle large distances to southern processing plants.
This would be a best-practice operation, using resources in an efficient, effective and ethical manner.
The Environment
As a state-of-the art meat processing facility, it will use the latest technology and modern innovation to minimise environmental impact. Project planning is already taking into consideration environmental aspects of carbon, water, electricity, gas and waste within the site. All processing matter will be treated and contained within the site boundaries.
Location of the plant means there will be a minimum one kilometre buffer between the site and any neighbouring houses. All water used on the site will be from town supplies and will not be sourced from the local water table.
The Community
The facility would bring significant economic and social benefits to the Northern Territory, generating employment and creating opportunities for local companies. It would be the largest employer in the rural area of Darwin, employing 270 people working two shifts five days a week initially with the potential to increase to 300.
Plans for the facility also include a proposed community centre, which may include day care, medical and allied health services as well as training facilities.
Jobs and Training
The facility will support 230 assembly jobs during construction, with up to 270 operational jobs being created as processing levels increase. This could expand if further development of the facility is undertaken.
AAco has a firm commitment to training staff with a view to employing local people to work at the facility. AAco’s target is to employ at least 10 per cent Indigenous Territorians over time.
Timing
AAco is currently working with the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to establish public infrastructure funding, feasibility and permit applications for this project.
Subject to government approvals, the Board will be in a position to consider the appropriate capital structure and to ultimately consider project endorsement. Construction could commence in mid 2012 and commissioning by mid 2013.