Commuters be warned: the roads may be as packed as a livestock saleyard pen tomorrow when truckers, farmers, and their supporters drive through Perth as part of the Keep the Sheep protest movement. This truck convoy is part of a rally aimed at drawing attention to the federal government’s phase-out of live sheep exports, as mandated by legislation passed last year.
The Australian government has set a goal to end all live sheep trade by May 2028 and has promised a $139.7 million transition package to assist farmers and exporters through this challenging period. However, with a federal election on the horizon, the Keep the Sheep movement is rallying support to reverse this ban.
David Vandenberghe, chairman of the sheep and cattle grower group ASHEEP & BEEF, expressed the frustration felt by many in the industry. “It shows the high level of anger and frustration toward the Albanese government’s decision to shut down WA’s sheep live export trade and the lack of understanding or consultation in reaching that position,” he stated. Vandenberghe highlighted the significant impact of the ban, noting that there are now over 110,000 signatures on a petition urging the government to reconsider its stance.
“WA’s sheep industry is seeing huge damage from the shutdown of one of our key markets. Our industry has made a significant investment in reforming the trade over the last decade, and Australia now leads the world in best practice standards, but this has been disregarded,” he added.
The phase-out legislation was introduced following a series of high-profile animal welfare incidents, including the tragic deaths of thousands of sheep during a journey to the Middle East in 2018. This has raised concerns about animal welfare standards and practices within the industry.
Main Roads WA has issued an alert for commuters regarding the expected disruptions caused by the convoy. The protests are scheduled to begin around 7:30 AM on March 28, 2025, in Neerabup, Mundijong, Bedfordale, and Fremantle, with the trucks converging at Quarry Farm in Whitby.
“Consider adjusting travel times to ensure your safe and timely arrival to work, school, or other locations,” the alert reads, emphasizing that long delays are anticipated as the convoy makes its way through the city.
The affected metro roads include major thoroughfares such as Kwinana Freeway, Mitchell Freeway, Reid Highway, Stirling Highway, Canning Highway, Tonkin Highway, and Great Eastern Highway. In the Central Business District (CBD), roads impacted include The Esplanade, Mounts Bay Road, Wellington Street, Hay Street, Causeway, and Riverside Drive.
As the Keep the Sheep protest draws near, the sentiment among farmers and supporters is palpable. The movement not only seeks to halt the phase-out of live sheep exports but also aims to raise awareness about the livelihoods of those in the agricultural sector who rely on this trade.
The current government’s transition package is seen by some as insufficient to address the potential economic fallout from the ban. Farmers argue that the live sheep export industry is integral to their operations and that the government should consider the broader implications of shutting down this trade.
With the federal election looming, the Keep the Sheep movement is positioning itself as a critical voice in the ongoing debate about agricultural policy and animal welfare. The outcome of this protest may influence political discussions and decisions leading up to the election.
In recent years, the sheep industry has faced numerous challenges, including fluctuating market demands and increasing scrutiny over animal welfare practices. The proposed ban on live exports is viewed by many as a culmination of these pressures, sparking a fierce debate about the future of the industry.
As the convoy prepares to hit the streets of Perth, the stakes have never been higher for those involved in the sheep trade. The outcome of this protest could significantly impact the direction of Australian agricultural policy and the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.
In summary, the Keep the Sheep protest represents more than just a demonstration against a policy decision; it embodies the frustrations and fears of an industry at a crossroads. With the voices of farmers and supporters echoing through the streets of Perth, the message is clear: they will not go quietly in the face of what they see as an unjust ban.
