Live cattle exports do nothing for local jobs

THE silence from our aspiring federal politicians regarding plans to expand the cruel live cattle export trade from our city is interesting given the need for local jobs.

Last year 58 live export ships loaded with cattle left the Port of Townsville, 38 for Vietnam, 19 for Indonesia and a shipment to China. By November, almost 250,000 animals had been shipped from Townsville, 40 per cent destined for Vietnamese abattoirs.

With an application for approval for holding yards for up to 15,000 cattle at Oak Valley awaiting a decision from the Townsville City Council and additional holding facilities elsewhere already approved; it seems we will see even more cruelty and export of jobs.

Live export supporters perpetuate the myth that these cattle are supplying essential protein to poor Asians without access to electricity or fridges.

However, according to Meat and Livestock Australia, most consumers in SE Asia buy our beef from modern retail outlets not traditional markets, with 52 per cent of Indonesian consumers and over 60 per cent in Vietnam now buying beef from supermarkets.

If our government can fund abattoirs and training for workers in Vietnam and elsewhere, why can’t there be a similar investment to support communities in the North to transition away from live cattle exports? JENNY BROWN, Douglas