Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman today announced plans to establish a Sheep Industry Leadership Council for Western Australia.
“The council’s overarching role will be to bring together all sectors along the industry supply chain to help build a strong, united and clear industry vision for WA’s sheep industry,” Mr Redman said.
“A key initial focus for the council will include how to tackle the rebuilding of the State’s sheep flock to ensure long-term viability of the industry.”
Speaking at the Wagin Woolorama, the Minister said WA’s sheep flock had dropped to 1950s levels of 14.5 million head in mid-2010 and had declined even further as a result of the dry season.
Recent industry forecasts predict it will decrease to 12.4 million head this year.
“At the same time, the sheep industry has experienced extraordinary growth in demand for sheep meat, leading to near record prices for both meat and wool,” Mr Redman said.
"It is important that industry works together, with the support of Government throughout the supply chain, to sustainably build the numbers to meet market demand for sheep meat and wool.”
It is intended that the council will engage industry stakeholders to facilitate this process.
Kojonup farmer Rob Warburton is nominated as chair of the council, which will be skills-based and include industry representatives from across the supply chain.
Mr Warburton is a progressive farmer, as well as a member of the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre Board, a Nuffield scholar and instigator of the State’s newest grower group, Southern DIRT.
“This group will work with established consultative groups and industry bodies to facilitate a way forward and vision for the whole sector,” the Minister said.
The council will be supported by a secretariat through the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Minister's office - 9213 6700