MEDIA RELEASE

 2 December 2019

A proposal to develop a $72 million abattoir at Warnertown near Port Pirie has been welcomed by Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP as a pivotal opportunity for the region.

Mr Brock said the Pirie Meats abattoir development for a proposed mixed species contract facility will become a centre of opportunity for the meat industry in the Mid North, providing a wide range of positive outcomes, including the creation of about 400 jobs when the facility is fully operational.

Developer Reg Smyth submitted the application for the abattoir to the Port Pirie Regional Council last week.

Mr Smyth said, although there had been some unexpected delays in the application process, his company had used the time to improve the plant design which would now future-proof the operation.

As a service processor. Pirie Meats’ business model is focussed on a commitment to work with any entity to deliver the required product in all forms of packaging – chilled or frozen and ready for distribution or export.

Mr Smyth said the company was very positive about their site selection near Port Pirie, with the size of the greenfield project arising from the support the business had received from a broad cross-section of organisations and individuals.

“We acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the Member for Frome, Geoff Brock, the Port Pirie Council and Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North,” he said.

Mr Brock said the proposal was very welcome.

“And once complete, it will be a great asset for not only Port Pirie, but also the many farmers who have livestock which they currently transport vast distances for processing,” Mr Brock said.

“An abattoir of this size could also attract feed lots for both cattle and sheep, becoming a valued-added service.”

Mr Brock said the project would be an excellent positive economic growth addition to the future direction of the region and would compliment the recently announced 100 employee workforce increase at Nyrstar.

“I continue to communicate regularly with the Marshall Government seeking any assistance which may be available for outside infrastructure requirements for regional growth projects.”

Subject to approvals, it is anticipated the Pirie Meats abattoir could be operational by the end of 2020.