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.”