Tasmanian Meat Industry Working Group will be tasked to assess the short and medium term initiatives that may be required to grow and support the growth of the industry, and to draft a long-term red meat strategy by June 30, 2019.

Group member and Winkleigh pig farmer Alan Broomby said he hoped the group would give certainty to those in the industry.

Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said the state’s livestock industry was very important.

“We have established the Tasmanian Meat Industry Working Group to look at short and medium term actions as well as the long term strategy required to underpin a sustainable livestock industry,” he said.

“We have also tasked it to look at ways we can increase the trade, marketing, value and sales of the Tasmanian meat sector.”

The group will be chaired by Liberal Montgomery MLC Leonie Hiscutt, with members from industry and government represented.

Mrs Hiscutt said she was confident the meat industry had a bright future, and looked forward to chairing the committee.

“We’ll be seeking input as required from key stakeholders including producers, livestock agents and buyers and wholesalers, transport operators and other industry representatives and organisations as appropriate,” she said.

The first meeting of the Tasmanian Meat Industry Working Group will take place on Friday, November 23.