- New electronic identification (eID) scanning system up and running at Muchea Livestock Centre
- Cook Government funded installation of cutting-edge equipment
- Mandatory national eID system for sheep and goats will come into effect in July 2025
The Cook Government is proud to have supported the installation of cutting-edge scanning equipment at the Muchea Livestock Centre, marking a significant step forward in enhancing biosecurity and traceability measures within the livestock industry.
Since its inception the Muchea Livestock Centre - which is operated by the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) - has been a vital hub for the State's livestock industry, facilitating the smooth movement of more than 7.3 million sheep and goats through its facilities.
Thousands of animals are received, processed, and loaded onto trucks within 24 hours, which highlights the importance of the new traceability equipment at the facility.
With the introduction of a new national framework aimed at bolstering biosecurity and traceability, WAMIA installed the 'Allflex' three-way draft scanning system at the Muchea Livestock Centre.
The installation, more than one year ahead of the Thursday, 31 July 2025 deadline, is aimed at preparing the State's livestock industry for the mandatory national implementation of electronic identification for sheep and goats.
Funding for the scanning equipment was made available through the State Government's commitment of more than $28 million toward the adoption of a nationally agreed sheep and goat eID system.
Round one of the eID infrastructure grants program opened in November 2023 and was made available to downstream market operators including saleyards, processors, registered feedlots, livestock agents, and export depots.
These grants helped with the purchase of eID technologies such as readers, scanners, and wands as well as eID-related infrastructural works.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The introduction of electronic identification for sheep and goats will improve Western Australia's biosecurity and traceability framework.
"The proactive approach to install this pilot equipment well ahead of the mandatory implementation date deserves commendation.
"This foresight demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the livestock industry in Western Australia remains at the forefront of innovation and best practices in biosecurity."
As stated by Sarah Lang, WAMIA Chair:
"WAMIA, as the operator of the Muchea Livestock Centre, remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, as we continue to uphold the highest standards of biosecurity and traceability.
"The proactive installation of the scanning equipment in partnership with livestock agent Australian Wool Network and Allflex ensures that Western Australia's livestock industry is well-prepared for the upcoming implementation of electronic identification for sheep and goats.
"The experience of our employees in cattle electronic identification will be an advantage to industry in the implementation of sheep and goat electronic identification."
