The Baiada chicken abattoir near Ipswich shut down on Friday, five months after management announced it had cancelled all contracts with chicken farmers in south-east Queensland.
Baiada, one of Australia’s largest chicken companies, had been processing chickens for its Lilydale and Steggles brands at the Wulkuraka plant.
The company has been progressively shedding employees since the August announcement.
At the time, the Queensland Chicken Growers Association (QCGA) said the announcement was a devastating blow to the industry, and could cost growers up to $150 million.
“The entire Queensland industry is in shock at the timing and manner of this decision by one of Australia’s largest chicken meat processors,” QCGA president Jodie Redcliffe said.
“It is clear that Baiada’s decision has been driven by corporate greed and a desire to consolidate its business in NSW rather than because of any questions about the viability of the industry in in Queensland.
“Our farmers were not given any warning or notice of this decision.
“They operate modern, efficient farms that meet and indeed exceed industry standards, within an industry that continues to see record profits and growth.”
Baiada plans to continue to use the site as a distribution hub but with a much-reduced workforce.
An estimated 400 jobs have been lost by the Wulkuraka closure.
As well, 28 chicken farmers supplied the plant with more than 23 million birds a year have been affected.
- Related article: Chicken Farmers Lose $150m Contracts
