Budget Paper No.6 1997/98 Northern Territory Economy
Tabled Paper 3223
Tabled Papers for 7th Assembly 1994 - 1997; Tabled papers; ParliamentNT
1997-04-30
Made available by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory under Standing Order 240. Where copyright subsists with a third party it remains with the original owner and permission may be required to reuse the material.
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https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00042
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/289257
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/404114
is $308 million, a 1% decline over 1995. The increase in the value of cattle production (6%) in 1996 was offset by a significant decrease in prawn production (41%). Pastoral In 1996, the cattle industry was worth an estimated $146 million, about 47% of the total Territory rural industries and fisheries production. However, when the indirect benefits of the industry are taken into consideration, the total contribution of the pastoral industry to the Territory economy is much higher. The pastoral industry is of fundamental importance to Territory regional economic growth, employment opportunities and export income. In 1996, about 423 000 head of cattle were turned off from Territory pastoral properties to abattoirs, interstate and overseas markets. The number and the value of cattle turned off in 1996 were higher than in 1995 due largely to an increase in the number of cattle exported live to South East Asian markets. The increasing demand for live cattle in the South East Asian markets is impacting on the number of cattle sent to interstate markets, which in 1996 declined by 14%. The Northern Territorys live cattle export trade has been growing rapidly both in terms of volume and value. In 1996, 199 571 head of Territory cattle were exported, an increase of 39% over 1995 exports. Indonesia and Philippines are the major markets taking over 90% of Territory live cattle exports. Exports to Indonesia in 1996 reached 108 819 head (double 1995 exports) and exports to Philippines were 73 505 head (an increase of 4.5% on 1995). Exports comprise primarily feeder steers destined for feedlots prior to slaughter. In addition, 193 617 head of interstate cattle (96.5% from Queensland) were exported through the Port of Darwin, an increase of 20% over 1995 figures. This brings the total number of live cattle exported through the Port of Darwin to 383 535 during 1996. The Northern Territory is at the centre of Australias burgeoning live cattle trade into South East Asia. In 1996, the Territory provided 31% of all live cattle exported to South East Asia and approximately 60% of all live cattle exports to Asia were shipped through the Port of Darwin. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997* '000 Source: DPIF Live Cattle Exports Through Darwin Figure 10.2 * Forecast Rural Industries and Fisheries 57