NT Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles, said the NT Govt had fast-tracked the election commitment to occur this financial year.

The upgrade will create dozens of jobs over the next 12 months and ensure best-practice standards for livestock handling, the Minister said.

“This investment in the BEY is for the construction of two significant shed structures which will hold 4,000 head of cattle and address concerns around mud and shade,” Minister Vowles said.

“Fulfilling a key election commitment, the upgrades will generate jobs in the building industry from engineers to steel workers and provide an important economic stimulus in the process.

“The facility upgrades will boost animal welfare and support sustainable development of the live-export trade while allowing cattle to be processed all year round.

Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association, Stuart Kemp, welcomed the investment.

“This upgrade will provide a benchmark in animal housing and management for the live export industry,” Mr Kemp said.

“This upgrade will once again see the Berrimah facility serve as a shopfront for the live export trade providing quality NT livestock to Asia.

“The live export industry is constantly evolving and Australia leads the world in export animal management and accountability, this investment by the NT government ensures that will continue.”

Source: NT Government