TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

NT fast tracks $4.1m Export Yards upgrades

The Berrimah Export Yards have been upgraded

Alex Paull

This article is 8 years old. Images might not display.

Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles, said the upgrades to the BEY would create dozens of jobs over the next 12 months and ensure best-practice standards for livestock handling.

The investment is for the construction of two shed structures, which will hold 4000 head of cattle while addressing concerns around mud and shade.

“The upgrades will generate jobs in the building industry from engineers to steel workers and provide an important economic stimulus in the process,” Vowles said.

“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. 

“Cattle production is the largest primary industry sector in the Territory, contributing $360 million annually to the Territory’s economy. 

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility raising pre-export standards showing our trade partners that the Territory produces premium product.”

The $4.1 million has been fast tracked to this financial year as part of the NT government’s infrastructure plan.

“To ensure the project would be fast-tracked the capital works grant funding agreement between Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association and Northern Territory Government was formally executed earlier this week,” Vowles said.

“We recently announced an increased minimum weighting of local content of 30% in all government quotes and tenders and this will apply to the BEY upgrade. 

“This is to ensure local businesses have a greater chance of winning the work, therefore supporting local jobs growth in the Territory.”

Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association CEO Stuart Kemp said it was an important investment in one of the Northern Territory’s key economic contributors. 

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

“This upgrade will once again see the Berrimah facility 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.”

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.