The work is part of the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Northern Beef Futures project to support beef sector productivity and profitability.

Department project manager Mark Ritchie said the successful projects were identified through the Northern Beef Infrastructure Review, commissioned by the department and Meat and Livestock Australia in 2016.

“The review identified 16 priority infrastructure projects based on their potential to encourage and support development of the beef industry in the region,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Of these projects, seed funding has been provided for the development of truck wash-down facilities in the region to improve biosecurity infrastructure.

“The Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association was awarded $130,000 to plan and scope the development of wash-down facilities in Broome and Halls Creek.

“The Pilbara Development Commission received $100,000 to investigate export facilities in the Pilbara, including a cattle holding yard close to the port and a wash-down facility for biosecurity.”

Both studies are nearing completion.

The Shire of Halls Creek was recently awarded a $90,000 grant for a study into the potential upgrade of Duncan Road, which adjoins Buntine Highway in the Northern Territory.

An upgrade of Duncan Road would improve trip reliability and safety – outcomes that would help meet current and future demands across northern beef and other agriculture industries.

Mr Ritchie said infrastructure gains, including more efficient road and port networks, would result in significant benefits to the beef industry and northern communities.

“The beef industry is vital to the economic and social fabric of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, and seed funding for infrastructure will build a sustainable future and success.”

Source: DPIRD. More information about Seed Funding for Infrastructure Grants is available on the Primary Industries and Regional Development (Agriculture and Food) website.