WITH COVID-19 and labour shortages dominating recent headlines when it comes to the red meat industry, a new national campaign is aiming to highlight the more positive role processors play in regional communities and in Australia's economy.
The 'More to Meat' campaign was launched by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation at the construction site of the new Thomas Foods International abattoir facility in Murray Bridge on Monday.
AMPC chief executive officer Chris Taylor said the campaign was timely as the $21-billion red meat processing industry had essentially "flown under the radar" the past few decades.
"There are processing leaders that have been pushing for the industry to speak up and tell some of the really great stories about what is happening out in the regions," he said.
"Some 300 communities around Australia are supported by a red meat processing facility, which are often one of the largest employers in town.
"The industry supports 138,000 jobs across Australia and the range of stable, long-term career opportunities are vast, including safety and hygiene specialists, engineers, scientists, mechanics, sustainability experts and marketers - to name a few.
"Meat processors also support jobs beyond their front gates, including truckies, traders, farmers and regional businesses.
"They play an essential role in the national food supply chain, ensuring households have access to high quality Australian red meat products that's envied throughout the world.
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"Australian red meat is world class, it's advanced manufacturing and it's processed locally. And looking at the scale of the investment here at TFI, you can get a real sense of the positive future of red meat processing here in Australia.
TFI CEO Tony Stewart agreed the campaign was timely and important for the industry.
"One of the challenges we face is continuing to attract, retain and develop the workforce that we need and the communities in which those people live and play," he said.
"The red meat industry is an Australian success story that often goes under the radar - it is world class and there are great opportunities to continue to improve and develop what is a high value manufacturing industry with its heart and soul in regional Australia.
"TFI continues to invest in the sector and our facility here in Murray Bridge is proof of the belief we have in the industry."
Alisha Fogden
Journalist at Australian Community Media newspapers since 2007.
Journalist at Australian Community Media newspapers since 2007.
