THE proposed development of an abattoir at Bourke shows just how much one project could change the fortune of a small, struggling Western town.
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The Bourke Shire Council has thrown its weight behind the $60 million small stock abattoir believing it would create more than 200 permanent jobs at the site and at other businesses in the town.
Bourke local government area, with 2973 residents, has been battered by the drought and resulting economic decline, high crime rates, a shrinking population, disadvantage, high rates for medical conditions and other problems.
It is no wonder the council sees the project as a "game-changer" that could fix social problems and stabilise the district. The cash flow could transform the economy.
It is about time Bourke "got a break" and this could be it.
The abattoir could be built in nine months and on completion process up to 6000 goats, lambs and sheep a day.
Building could start in the middle of next year and be finished in nine months giving Bourke a new industry and new hope early in 2017.
The plan is clever. Goats are a growing business for NSW farmers, who currently have to send stock to Victoria, Queensland or South Australia for processing. So give them an option closer to home and corner a chunk of the market.
It is the type of opportunity needed in areas throughout Western NSW. Bring more ideas on.