Co-op defends project importance

The Murray Plains Meat Co-operative has defended its micro abattoir project after concerns were raised by some Murray River councillors at the September council meeting.

Councillors discussed the $450,000 Federal Government grant awarded to the project, with Cr Gen Campbell questioning the eligibility of the project for drought funding and Cr Tom Weyrich saying neighbours hadn’t been consulted.

Co-operative chair Lauren Mathers said it was unfair for some councillors to ‘‘hijack the agenda’’.

‘‘It’s a co-operative driven project, not a council driven project,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s a pretty amazing story and I think the fact we’ve acquired funding so far proves it’s in line with government expectations.’’

Ms Mathers said people needed to remember small producers in Barham were missing a link in the supply chain.

‘‘We don’t have an abattoir within a 200km radius that kills pigs and there’s nothing that processes poultry either,’’ she said.

‘‘The distance people are having to travel to do paddock-to-plate is not viable and it’s also stressful for the animals.’’

Despite concerns from some councillors, Ms Mathers said it was fantastic to have council support.

‘‘We’re so lucky and really grateful the council is on board but it’s a real shame there’s a few councillors that aren’t supportive of it for whatever reason,’’ she said.

‘‘I can’t see why an innovative council like Murray River would want to take a project away from a community group.’’

Cr Alan Mathers, who is not related to Ms Mathers, has declared a conflict of interest in the project, removing himself during council meetings when decisions are made.

‘‘Alan Mathers had a small parcel of land on his farm that was pretty useless and the moment he decided to offer that for the coop to purchase from him, he stepped away from the whole process,’’ Ms Mathers said.

‘‘If anyone’s coming out worse off . . . it’s Alan Mathers. The abattoir’s going to be on his farm so down the track if he wants to sell that’s going to be a factor for people buying his farm.’’

Ms Mathers also said farmers surrounding the abattoir site would be consulted once the co-operative had something to show.

‘‘We’re putting together a tender package which will be available on Monday (October 5) for people to be able to see the concept design that we have,’’ she said.

‘‘I think once people see how small it’s going to be, it’s going to be less offensive than a rotary dairy, less smelly, less noise and quite sheltered by trees so it’s actually quite a good asset to the area.

‘‘This isn’t going to be your average abattoir. It’s going to be high tech, really well-designed, low-stress environment, built for the benefit not only of the workers but the animals.’’