New live export ship is being constructed to service Asia

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EXPORTERS WELCOME NEW SHIP

 

A new live animal export ship is being built to service South-East

Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

 

The $47 million vessel, commissioned by Wellard Rural Exports,

should be ready to sail in two years.

 

It will carry 6,500 cattle or 26,000 sheep and is expected to

service Western Australian and Northern Territory ports,

including Darwin.

 

Live cattle exporters have welcomed the announcement, saying

it will increase competition for shipping rates and improve

animal welfare.

 

The industry has previously raised concerns about a looming

shortage of livex ships, with many to become obsolete under

new maritime safety regulations due in 2007.

 

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2005/s1407175.htm

 

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WOOL INDUSTRY IS DEFINITELY UNITED AGAINST ANIMAL

ACTIVISTS: SAFF

 

The SA Farmers' Federation has rejected media reports that the

Australian wool Industry is not united in the campaign against

animal extremists.

 

SAFF has endorsed the actions being taken by the National

Sheep and Wool Industry Taskforce in its campaign against

animal extremists.

 

A trade advertising campaign, featuring top US fashion models,

and an ongoing legal action against People for the Ethical

Treatment of Animals (PETA) for alleged breaches of the Trade

Practices Act, are key components of the industry fight back.

 

SAFF Livestock Executive Committee chair, Ben Mumford, said:

" SAFF stands firmly behind the legal action and the advertising

campaign that has been commissioned to combat attacks on

our industry.

 

" When the National Sheep and Wool Industry Taskforce met in

Sydney in November last year to discuss both the legal action

and the advertising campaign, I stood up and asked if any group

in the room was opposed to the direction the industry was

taking.

 

" There was full support from all the organisations present.

 

" Small organisations, which represent very small numbers of

growers were at the Sydney meeting. " They agreed to its

outcomes but continue to undermine the good work being done.

 

" They are creating a perception of an industry divided.

 

" I can categorically say that all organisations that actually

represent significant numbers of wool growers have

consolidated and this united front is already paying dividends. "

 

SOURCE: Stock Journal, SA.