Camel meat industry on radar of NT and South Australia governments

With around 350,000 wild camels roaming free through the nation’s deserts, the governments of both NT and South Australia are looking to harness the possibilities of a wide-scale industry

A recent feasibility study found the harvest of wild camels was both profitable and viable. PICTURE: Thinkstock

FERAL and farmed camels may hold the key to the Territory’s economic future.

With around 350,000 wild camels roaming free through the nation’s deserts, the governments of both NT and South Australia are looking to harness the possibilities of a wide-scale industry.

A report commissioned by both governments into the viability of expanding the lucrative camel meat industry, potentially centred around an abattoir in Alice Springs, has been handed down at a forum in South Australia this week, attended by Chief Minister Adam Giles and SA Premier Jay Weatherill.

The feasibility study, conducted by Agriknowledge, found the harvest of wild camels was “both profitable and viable for a few years”.

After this point, the report recommended the way to ensure profitability would be to boost camel farming businesses, as well as diversify meat production to include culled horses and donkeys.

“There must be a transition to farmed camels to maintain the supply of camels to market and stay profitable,” the report read. “This is because there will be a vacuum effect created through the repeated removal of wild camels from current hotspot areas.”

Mr Giles said the government would be willing to work with potential investors, “to undertake a more detailed market analysis, consider site options and identify markets”.

Despite Mr Giles’ pledge, governments have been warned not to assist investors financially.

“We do not recommend governments provide investment incentives for an Alice Springs abattoir, instead leaving the decision wholly to the commercial sector,” the report read.

Mr Giles floated the possibility for such a multi-species abattoir to exist in the Alice Springs area. “A potential multi-species export abattoir in Alice Springs would cost $35 million to $40 million and employ about 30 people,” he said.

One of the major current producers of camel meat in Central Australia is the Ngaanyatjarra Camel Company. Ngaanyatjarra’s Alex Knight said there would be “pluses and minuses” with an industry expansion.

“It would be good to see an increase ... but if was to undercut the current market it would be very damaging,” Mr Knight said.

Originally published as Camel meat industry on radar of NT and South Australia governments