Andrew Mole, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

More than seven years of hard work is about to go live after the long-awaited Barham micro abattoir last week passed its audit for poultry processing with flying colours.

The rubber stamp from the NSW Department of Primary Industries means the facility is licensed and ready to operate.

This follows the completion of final fit-out rectification works, which were required following a facility audit in late 2023.

Now there is just one more thing the complex needs to swing into full production and start processing red meat – an accredited meat inspector.

Abattoir director Lindsay Schultz says it has been a long journey “with a lot of hurdles” but now the dream is becoming the reality.

“We have a great board, we have committed customers who have patiently waited for this day to arrive, and we have a cutting-edge facility for surrounding livestock producers to use,” Lindsay explains.

“The last piece of the jigsaw is the meat inspector – we must have one on the team to pass that audit,” he says.

“If we cannot find a dedicated inspector, we are more than happy to invest in a slaughterman who wants to build a strong career in the industry.

“The training is spread across block session for four months, combined with 200 hours of hands-on experience.

“The board is more than happy to pay for all that training to help get someone up to speed – so if you are looking for a real future in a vibrant regional area, give us a call.”

The Barham micro abattoir is a multi-species facility which has been designed and built to cater for ‘paddock-to-plate’ producers across the region.

The project was the brainchild of the Murray Plains Meat Co-operative and was formed in response to the closure of local abattoirs.

Murray River Council (MRC) was awarded $2.2 million of state and federal funding on behalf of the Co-operative for the establishment of the abattoir, which made council project manager of the build, and subsequent owner of the facility.

MRC director of community economic development, Sarah Ryan, says, “it’s welcome news the facility can now commence operations.”

“While it has been a lengthy process to ensure all checks and balances are in place, it’s exciting to now see this project come to life,” Sarah adds.

“The local meat and poultry industry provides significant employment opportunities in Barham and district, so we look forward to the ongoing success of this transformative project and its contribution to the economic growth of the local region.”

Lindsay agrees he and his fellow directors are excited to have reached this important milestone, where they can now begin staffing and training for poultry processing.

“We are committed to establishing a high-quality livestock processing facility and are grateful for the council’s support in helping us achieve this goal,” he says.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to the funding bodies whose support has been crucial to this project’s success.

“Most of all, we would like to thank our many supporters – and customers in waiting – for their patience and vote of confidence by sticking with us.”

Under the current lease agreement, council remains custodian of the building for 12 months, from the beginning of the lease, at which time complete ownership can be transferred to the Murray Plains Meat Cooperative.

This article appeared in  The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 19 September 2024.
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