UPDATE: In a groundbreaking initiative, the Normanby Aboriginal Corporation is transforming a longstanding environmental issue into a sustainable food source. Wild cattle, which have plagued a remote 30,000-hectare property in Queensland for centuries, are now at the heart of a new venture known as Bush Beef.
Just announced, this innovative project aims to control the feral cattle population while providing organic, locally-sourced meat to the community. According to Vince Harrigan, managing director of the corporation, “If they’re not caught, they just breed and breed… erosion is a big problem.” The initiative not only addresses environmental degradation but also revitalizes cultural ties to traditional food sources.
Located inland of Cooktown, the corporation has a history dating back 30 years when the land was returned to its Traditional Owners. Harrigan emphasized the community’s historical connection to the land, saying, “We grew up eating this stuff.” The venture not only aims to introduce local residents to this unique food but also to boost the economy.
The Bush Beef project is part of a multi-generational dream that seeks to provide jobs and training opportunities for the local community. The next step involves raising $10 million to establish an on-site abattoir, which would eliminate the need to transport cattle over 400 kilometers to a local facility, a process complicated by the seasonal wet weather that can cut off access for nearly half the year.
The corporation has partnered with Esparq Ventures to secure funding, successfully raising $600,000 toward their ambitious goal. Esparq’s head of ventures, Dominique Bird, highlighted the project’s significance: “The long-term vision that Normanby Station has really resonated with us around food security and more local produce.”
This initiative has already gained traction among consumers, indicating strong demand for locally sourced, sustainable food. Bird noted, “How could you not want to support something like this? It’s multi-generational and supporting future generations as well.”
As this project unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the means of production are locally owned, paving the way for greater economic independence and food security in the Cape York region. The community’s resilience and commitment to their land and culture are shining through as they turn a wild problem into a sustainable solution.
Stay tuned for updates as Bush Beef continues to grow and make an impact on both the environment and the local economy.
