The Fleurieu Community Cooperative has announced it has received regulatory approval, allowing it to formally prepare to reopen the Strathalbyn abattoir. 

As a registered and legal entity, South Australia’s first paddock-to-place co-operative is inviting applications for membership to the cooperative. 

The abattoir closed a year ago, in December 2020, when a new operator could not be found.

Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island sponsored development of a business case and investor offering to facilitate its re-opening.

A feasibility study and an extensive community survey led to a plan to reopen the abattoir on a cooperative model to ensure community involvement and long term financial sustainability.

It will cater to smaller producers who currently have to travel long distances or try to get a mobile abattoir service in.

Cooperative membership is open to those to engage with at least one of the primary activities of the cooperative, or may supply goods or services to support its primary activities.

These may include agricultural producers, restaurants, butchers and supermarkets.

The membership fee $100 or purchase of a minimum 100 shares in the cooperative at the issue price of $1 per share.

Full application details are available on the website.