Funding puts a ‘skip’ in meat processing facility

The planned expansion at Western Games Processing means licensed shooters, maintenance workers, mechanics, firearm suppliers, service stations and grocery stores in the region will benefit from job creation and an increased dependence on local services.

Western Games Processing was one of 14 businesses to receive a Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant of up to $250,000 to improve energy efficiencies and advance the production capabilities of their meat processing business.

Company director Ben Cameron said the funding would be put towards constructing necessary infrastructure to host the renewable energy system.

“Building a shed over the existing facility will see an immediate reduction of up to 20% in electrical costs due to shade covering existing refrigeration infrastructure,” he said.  

“The shed will then be a platform for the installation of advanced solar power generation to reduce reliance on grid power supply improving efficiencies.”

Mr Cameron said cutting energy costs was a crucial step in creating a sustainable future for the processing plant. 

“The opportunity for this project was identified as a result of the increasing cost of electrical supply in rural and remote Queensland and forecast increased production,” he said.

“The current grid price of 29c/Kwh is forecast to rise to 41c/Kwh. Current electricity cost is $16,000/m and projected to rise to over $22,000/m.” 

The renewable energy system will save Western Games Processing thousands and allow more investment to be put towards the production facilities. 

“We currently process 8,000 carcases per month. By reducing electricity costs, we will see this rise to 14,000 carcasses per month,” Mr Cameron said.

New meat processing equipment will also be installed to help the processing facility add value to their existing product line.

“Western Game Processing was developed as a business to respond to increased demand for kangaroo meat within the pet food industry,” Mr Cameron said.

“By implementing new technology, we will be able to produce bone free kangaroo meat and facilitate business expansion to further export markets. 

“Down the track we can look into diversifying our products more by looking into naturally dried meat products that could be developed on site.” 

Western Games Processing currently employs 17 full time staff, contracts 38 local macropod harvesters and 35 harvesters from the wider regions. 

The project will create up to 51 new direct and indirect jobs supporting the economic growth of the Longreach district. 

“During the construction phase we will need a team of tradespeople to construct the shed, install the solar panels and the new equipment,” Mr Cameron said.  

“In the local community licensed shooters, maintenance workers, mechanics, firearm suppliers, service stations and grocery stores will feel the ripple effect of this project.

“Closer to the facility we will need at least eight new full-time employees to help manage the increase of carcase throughput.” 

The Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants program offers emerging projects up to $250,000 in co-contributions to build industry and grow employment opportunities across the agricultural sector. The $10 million grants program provides for three funding rounds over a three-year period ending 2021.

A total of 14 businesses have received $3.34 million under the second round of funding for the RED Grants program. Overall these 14 projects are expected to create more than 600 jobs across the agricultural sector in regional Queensland.

QRIDA offers a range of assistance to primary producers, small business and non-profit organisations. To find out what’s available visit Programs and Services.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administer the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.