New owner for Bourke abattoir
The new, but mostly unused, small stock abattoir at North Bourke has sold to an undisclosed buyer, at an undisclosed price.
An industry insider has told The Western Herald that an “unconditional sale” agreement had been reached between the owner, Capra Developments Pty Limited, of Blayney, and a buyer with experience in the abattoir game.
“I expect this agreement to be completed quickly, and for the meatworks at North Bourke to be up and going very quickly after that,” he said.
“Bourke Shire Council, the local business community, and the Bourke community generally, will be happy with this result.
Although the buyer and purchase price has not yet been revealed, the industry insider said that the meatworks had been inspected by ‘quite a few’ industry players, including some questionable groups, but that the eventual buyer ‘would be good for Bourke’.
“This buyer is not a ‘fly-by-night’ or ‘cowboy’ operation; this is a well-established and responsible organisation with respect and experience in the goat meat industry,” he said.
“The buyer wants to set up a professional operation at Bourke, and this operation will bring jobs and commercial activity to Bourke once the meatworks is up and going.”
Providing all this is correct, the purchase and operation of the North Bourke abattoir could be a large part of the economic stimulus Bourke needs to recover from the downturn brought on by drought and pandemic.
While no-one connected to Capra Developments or Bourke Shire Council will officially confirm the purchase, there is no doubt the wheels are in motion, and the facility could finally fulfil its promise of employment and increased economic activity for the Bourke community.
Bourke Mayor, Barry Hollman, said he was unable to comment on details of the sale but said council was optimistic and hopeful about the future of the abattoir.
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