Funding boosts animal export market

ANIMALS exported from the Lockyer Valley to the Middle East and Asia may be transported under improved handling processes as the Federal Government spends more money on education and infrastructure improvements.

The Rudd Government will invest another $450,000 to improve animal welfare for key destinations for Australian livestock.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke announced four new projects under the Live Animal Trade Program for overseas ports that process Australia's live animal exports.

“By supporting Australian industries and jobs we are helping to cushion the impact of the global recession on local economies,” Mr Burke said.

The projects include infrastructure upgrades and technical assistance on animal handling and processing standards for unloading ports in Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar and new cattle restraint facilities to improve slaughter practices.

It will also deliver new standard operating procedures to train handlers in Asia.