BOGGY bush tracks haven't stopped the transport of 16,000 cattle from North Queensland stations for export out of Townsville to Indonesia.
Export co-ordinator Tim O'Donnell from Wellard Rural Exports, Perth, said the logistics and movement of cattle out of flood-locked parts of northwest Queensland was an effort of which to be proud.
He said the cattle in the main came from the Hughenden, Richmond and Julia Creek areas, the Townsville Bulletin reports.
"We've had terrific support from graziers, trucking companies, depot managers and the Townsville port. It's been a brilliant effort from everyone involved," he said.
He said the cattle were being loaded on to the Stella Deneb, which is the largest livestock carrier in the world. He said the ship could carry in excess of 23,000 head.
Mr O'Donnell said there was huge demand for cattle from Indonesia and to a lesser extent from the Philippines and Malaysia.
He sees live cattle exports as a shining light in a sea of otherwise economic despair. While the mining and manufacturing industries are falling like flies in a Mortein blizzard, live cattle exports are going from strength to strength. Mr O'Donnell said the Stella Deneb would return to Townsville for another load of cattle at the end of the month.
"We do not see the demand waning. This year we have an aggressive export program in front of us," he said.
He said the loading of the 16,000 head started on Tuesday night and would be finished either Saturday or Sunday. He said the voyage to Indonesia would take eight days.
Richmond district beef cattle producer Jane Carter said the live export trade would continue to flourish for as long as the Australian dollar stood firm against the economic tsunami engulfing most other industries in Western nations.
"While the dollar is down the live export industry will continue to do well. The only problem will be to keep finding cattle to put on the boats," she said.
Ms Carter said it was amusing to hear Federal Government politicians lauding Australia's primary industries and the positive messages these same industries were sending out among all the doom and gloom of the current economic crisis.
She said that in good, economic times federal Labor politicians had little to say about primary industries that was supportive.
Read more at the Townsville Bulletin
