CMA: AFRI Operations and Construction Standards Committee

Summary

MLA enlisted the services of six (6) panel members to assist with the development of operations and construction standards for establishment of the Australian Feedlot Research Institute. This CMA was established to cover the costs associated with their participation on the Selection Committee, including professional fees, plus travel and accommodation costs associated with the visits to feedlots and attendance at assessment meetings.

Objectives

To advise ALFA and MLA to ensure:

1. That AFRI meet best practice standards for operation and construction.
   That the potential co-location site meets industry expectations for an industry leading facility.
2. To ensure lease negotiations do not influence the competitiveness of the previous AFRI tender process.
3. Construction costs, lease and operating costs are commercially competitive for a 1700 SCU feedlot.
4. Answer questions on the AFRI that ALFA and MLA consider appropriate with the owners of the proposed site.

Key findings

The operations and construction standards committee provided appropriate advice to MLA and ALFA to ensure that if AFRI was to proceed, it would meet best practice standards for operation and construction.

Benefits to industry

Independent and professional input into the best practise standards for operation and construction for the potential host site will ensure that the industry can be confident in the selection, construction and operation of the AFRI host site.

If approved, the Australian Feedlot Research Institute will accelerate delivery of "impact products" to the feedlot industry enhancing sustainability and profitability.

MLA action

MLA has provided best practice construction and operating standards to ALFA and the potential host site. A decision will be made on funding commitment to the AFRI in the second half of 2020.