MLA’s Transport Hub: One year on

This month marks one year since MLA’s Transport Hub was launched at the combined Livestock and Rural Transporters of Queensland/Australian Livestock and Rural Transporter’s Association Conference in Toowoomba.

Developed in consultation with operators, the hub has had more than 36,000 visits since launch, building awareness and knowledge of the importance of preparation for livestock transport by road in Australia.

Sharon Dundon, MLA Project Manager for Animal Wellbeing Research, Development and Adoption, said the hub is part of a broader strategy bolstering the role of transport in ensuring the sustainability of the red meat industry.

“Livestock transport is very visible and we need to be proactive and work together to get it right for our animals, our drivers and our industry.  

“The hub is one of a number of steps we’re taking to help everyone understand their roles and responsibilities for livestock transport and understand that best practice livestock transport comes down to preparation.”

The Transport Hub features best practice guidelines on preparing different classes of sheep, cattle and goats for their intended journey.

“We’ve been speaking with people from across the red meat value chain and telling the stories of good operators.

“The common thread of good operators is good preparation. Generally, if animals are prepared well, they will travel well,” Sharon said.

What operators are saying

Sharon has been invited to speak at dozens of events across the country, met with stakeholders in every state and is coordinating a new livestock transport taskforce with representatives from across the supply chain.

Emma Sloan from Sloan’s Livestock Transport in Queensland attended an event and heard about the Transport Hub. Now, she passes the Transport Hub link on to her expansive network.

“We’ve sent it to all our clients. We let them know this is how we want their animals prepared for transport,” Emma said.

“We found the loading requirements information particularly useful.”

Where to next?

A comprehensive communications campaign has supported the Transport Hub, with hundreds of thousands of views and strong engagement rates.

“We’ve featured stories on everything from the importance of loading facilities and yards, tips for transporting bulls and rams, to weaners, sheep and goats and heavy cows.

“It’s clear the demand for this information is high, so we’re not slowing down any time soon,” Sharon said.

The first step in launching the hub was about raising awareness. From here, Sharon said she’s looking at online training, extension and building relationships within the supply chain.

“We want to work together and ensure the livestock transport industry is here for the long haul – and that the story is a positive one.”