WoolProducers Australia calls on Perth to support Keep the Sheep convoy this Friday, 28 March, to highlight the severe repercussions of the Albanese government's live sheep export ban on the broader wool industry and rural communities.
WoolProducers CEO, Ms Jo Hall, stated, “We stand in solidarity with Keep the Sheep as they take their message to the heart of Perth. This convoy will be a powerful reminder that the live sheep export ban isn’t just about sheep; it’s about the livelihoods of countless West Australians, including those directly and indirectly involved in the wool supply chain.”
The ban, Ms Hall emphasised, will have a cascading effect on the wool industry, impacting shearers, transport operators, rural retailers, and numerous other supporting industries. “The loss of 3,000 jobs in Western Australia is not just a statistic; it represents real families and communities struggling to survive. The ripple effects will be felt throughout the entire wool sector, from the farm gate to the export docks.”
The convoy, commencing from four strategic points across Perth - Neerabup (North), Mundijong (South), Bedfordale (East), and Fremantle (West) - will converge at Quarry Farm in Whitby. This demonstration again aims to bring the stark realities of the ban to the attention of metro voters, urging them to consider the plight of their rural counterparts as the election approaches.
“We are calling on the residents of Perth to stand with their rural friends and neighbours,” Ms Hall urged. “These are hardworking West Australians who simply want to continue contributing to our economy. The Labor party’s attempts to silence and dismiss the voices of truckies, shearers, farmers, and rural workers must not be allowed to succeed.”
The impact on the wool industry and regional economies is significant, with the ban already leading to a decrease in sheep numbers with wool production forecast to be down around 20% year-on-year for WA.
This direct impact on wool production, means shearers face job losses as the demand for their services diminishes, leading to a flow on effect for rural businesses reliant on the sheep industry, including those providing supplies and services, such as trucking companies that transport sheep and wool who will experience a sharp decline in business.
“The overall downturn of the wool industry will lead to an economic downturn across the board.”
“The government’s decision, based on misrepresentations and a lack of understanding of the industry, is a devastating blow to our rural communities and the wool industry. We urge the people of Perth to join us, make their voices heard, and support their rural friends,” Ms Hall concluded.
Event Details:
Convoy Start Points: Neerabup (North), Mundijong (South), Bedfordale (East), Fremantle (West)
Convoy Finish: Quarry Farm, 1475 S Western Hwy, Whitby WA 6123 (approximately 10:00 AM WST)
Registration: https://www.keepthesheep.com.au/campaign_convoy
ENDS
WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall
CEO
0488 554 811
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.'
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.