Roads closed for meatworks

Large trucks are being prevented from entering Western Meat Packers’ abattoir in Cowaramup.

Main Roads WA confirmed trucks were being stopped, after it identified issues relating to sight distance deficiencies along the abattoir’s main access road.

Industry insiders told Countryman that B-double sized vehicles (19m to 27.5m) were now unable to use the road. The abattoir uses these trucks for a large proportion of its freight.

Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Ian Earl said the disruption to the facility and associated businesses was unfortunate, because they played a significant role in the local economy and employed more than 300 people.

“We recognise the urgency in ensuring the facility can continue to operate efficiently,” he said.

“The Shire is working with Main Roads and the affected business owners to find a solution.”

A Western Meat Packers spokesman said the company was working “collaboratively and positively” with Main Roads to develop and implement the best possible outcome for the industry, company, residents and ratepayers.

Cowaramup Brewing Company owner Jeremy Good said abattoir trucks frequently drove past the brewery. He said he did not have a problem with trucks using the road as long as they were driven safely.

“Treeton North is a narrow road with a large sweeping bend close to where you enter onto it near the Bussell Highway,” he said.

“I drive up and down it beside the trucks most days and I have no problem with sharing the road with them, just as long as they don’t drive too close to the road’s gravel edge, which causes dust to kick up and makes it hard to see.”