HEAVY rainfall on the Gold Coast in the past 24 hours and the threat of damage from Cyclone Alfred have forced the postponement of the Australian Meat Industry Council’s Red Meat Processing & Export Conference next week.

The event was due to take place at the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast next Wednesday and Thursday 12-13 March, but has now been re-scheduled for 7-8 April.

Safety of delegates and uncertainty surrounding air travel and localised flooding meant it was impossible for the event to go ahead next week.

Cyclone Albert is due to cross the southern Queensland Coast some time in the next 24 hours.

Below is a statement from AMIC, issued a few minutes ago:

We have decided to postpone Meat Processor and Export Conference, originally scheduled to take place from 12-13 March on the Gold Coast, due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred. The severe weather conditions have made it necessary to reschedule the conference to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

The conference, which brings together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the meat processing and export sectors, will be rescheduled for 7-8 April.

The safety of all attendees and participants remains our top priority. With Cyclone Alfred expected to cause significant disruptions across the region, we believe this decision is in the best interest of all involved. We are working closely with local authorities, event partners, and the venue to monitor the situation and to ensure that the rescheduled event will run smoothly and successfully. 

We will maintain as much of the original program as possible, with the preconference activities commencing at 11am on Monday 7 April and concluding with the Gala dinner on 8 April. We are working through the event logistics as quickly as possible, and will provide further updates to delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and stakeholders early next week. 

All tickets and registrations will automatically be transferred to the new event date, and we will send further information next week regarding the process for confirming, amending or cancelling delegate registrations. 

The Royal Pines Resort has been very supportive of the postponement and has advised they will assist us to transfer of all bookings made by the organisers on your behalf or through the MPEC registration link. As Royal Pines Resort are currently operating with limited staff, please be patient as we make your new accommodation arrangements. 

We sincerely thank all our MPEC stakeholders for their understanding and continued support during these challenging circumstances. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the cyclone and we wish residents in Northern NSW and Southeast Queensland a safe few days.

AMIC remains committed to delivering a valuable and impactful event in April. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the rescheduled MPEC25.