Merinda meatworks (Bowen)

The Bowen Meatworks, also called the Merinda Meatworks or Bowen Freezerworks was an important business to the foundation of the economy of the local area.

It was started as the Bowen Meat Export and Agency Co. as part of Australian parliamentary plans to grow the Australian economy by exporting meat.

1932 the Meatworks was acquired by Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia), Ltd., who’s business supplied British Army meat contracts since 1923 of 6000 tons of frozen beef yearly.

The meatworks closed in 1996/1997 as part of industry rationalisation.

History

In the 1890’s the export trade of meat was earmarked for Australia’s economic growth. Parliament developed “The Meat and Dairy Produce Encouragement Act” which allowed for establishment of meatworks at Bowen and other places in Queensland.

In 1894 operations were started by local cattlemen under the Bowen Meat Export and Agency Co. The meatworks employed 200-400 men from the local area and processed an average of 15,000 cattle per annum, the best year being 30,000 head. In 1905, Bergl Australia acquired the plant, at the time known as Merinda. In 1931, Bergl had installed modern machinery. In 1932 the meatworks was purchased by Borthwick’s as Thomas Borthwicks and Sons with the Intention of commencement of export operations (after being idle for sometime). Borthwicks had obtained prominent army contracts for meat supplies in 1923 which was the bulk of the war office’s yearly contract (6,000 tonnes for home command). In 1933, Borthwick & Son purchased the meatworks, rebuilding it and making extensions.

See also

Alligator Creek meatworks

Ross River Meatworks Chimney