September 28, 2006

Australian cattle group hopes to run indigenous cattle stations

WA's Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) says it would initiatives to make Indigenous-owned cattle stations in Kimberley, Western Australia, more productive.

Besides poor grazing conditions, the state is beset by low productivity and stocking rates, a report commissioned by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) found. The report outlined suggestions on how to improve the 30 or so stations in the region owned and operated by Indigenous peoples.

The PGA said increased cattle stock from the region would be useful and hopes to see a strong and vibrant cattle industry in the region.

The PGA's Sandy McTaggart said he is fully supportive of any programmes that would help the stations become economically viable, adding that a buy-over offer or amalgamation programme from the indigenous people would be welcomed.