Russian roo resumption to boost Queensland trade

Western Queensland MP Bruce Scott says he is hoping more kangaroo meat suppliers will be given the green light to export to Russia.

The nation's largest roo meat supplier, Adelaide-based Macro Meats, has been given permission to resume exports to Russia.

Russia banned kangaroo imports from Australia four years ago, citing food safety concerns and the roo sector has been struggling since.

Ray Borda from Macro Meats says it is a turning point for the industry.

"There hasn't been too much good news over the last 10 years, with a nine-year drought and then two record flooding events, and then Europe going through the Global Financial Crisis," he said.

The LNP's Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott, says he hopes Russian authorities will approve more facilities.

He says kangaroo numbers in the electorate have skyrocketed and the roo plague is decimating pastures and environments.

Queensland rural lobby group AgForce has welcomed the resumption of the kangaroo trade with Russia.

Spokesman Stephen Tully says it will have a flow-on effect in Queensland.

"This is a great development ... and I hope the other processors can really do the hard work and really put the science down to prove they've got a great product and start to get into some of these markets as well," he said.

"Macro does have roo boxes right throughout Queensland, so it should have a certain significance - how much product we obviously don't know yet but it will definitely have an impact on Queensland."

Source: ABC News, 10 December 2012