Investor sessions will be held across the Fleurieu this week to gauge support for reopening the Strathalbyn abattoir.

The abattoir closed last December, when a new operator could not be found.

Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island announced in May that it would sponsor development of a business case and investor offering to facilitate its re-opening.

Following a feasibility study and an extensive community survey, PKF Accelerate has developed a plan to reopen the abattoir on a cooperative model. 

The RDA says this is partly to ensure its long-term financial sustainability, and partly so that as many stakeholders as possible have the opportunity to participate in its success.

Grant Baker, Managing Director of PKF, spoke to the ABC radio Country Hour about the benefits of the model.

“It will create stability and a paddock to plate solution that everyone wants.”

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

“The community has an active stake.”

This includes agricultural producers, butchers, supermarkets, restaurants and providers of goods or services to the abattoir.

A cooperative model requires five founder members and the first founder meeting was held last Friday 27 August.

More than 60 people have registered to attend investor meetings and Mr Baker hopes this will rise to hundreds.

The minimum investment amount will be $5,000.

The meetings will be held from 5pm to 7pm at the following locations:

Monday 30 August - Yankalilla Football Club

Tuesday 31 August - Strathalbyn Football Club

Wednesday 1 September - Balhannah – Onka’s Football Club

Thursday 2 September - Adelaide – PKF Advisory

Monday 6 September Kingscote – Ozone Hotel

For more information contact Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island via email. 

Image by pen_ash from Pixabay