Gunbower and the Gunbower Harness Racing Club communities have thrown their support behind the local pig industry, hosting the $14,000 saveourbacon.com.au Centenary Trotters Cup, at their special centenary race meeting on Sunday, February 18.
The Save Our Bacon campaign was started by the Victorian Opposition after the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into pig welfare chaired by Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell.
The pig industry, along with other farming sectors including irrigation and livestock, is coming under increasing pressure as the disconnect between agriculture and food production continues to widen.
More than 90 per cent of the country’s commercial pig industry is covered by the voluntary, independently audited Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program, while 85 per cent of the animals processed are done so in abattoirs with world-leading infrastructure and low stress animal handling techniques.
Pork (including ham and bacon) is the second most popular protein consumed in Australia and the industry is a major employer in the area and a key contributor to the local economy.
VFF Pig Group president Dave Wright said it was wonderful to see an independent group show its support for the industry, and in such a novel manner.
“It’s great to see the harness club name this race and I hope it generates some much needed meaningful awareness and discussion,” Mr Wright said.
“The region has had a pretty tough 18 months with JEV, floods, high commodity prices and fluctuating pig prices affecting growers, and throw in a parliamentary inquiry into the industry which is basically just another attempt to erode farming and Australian agriculture.”
He said Australians love their roast pork, ham sandwiches and bacon and eggs, and if these products are not produced locally they will just be imported, which means the country not only loses employment and $488 million in economic wealth, it also places the country under increasing biosecurity risk.
“Our consumers have always supported us and as producers we are very proud to put Aussie-grown products on the family table,” Mr Wright said.
“We are a long-term sustainable industry, a key employer of over 2500 people across rural Victoria and we also support and engage in local community clubs and organisations.”
Victorian Nationals leader and State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is happy to support the race and the besieged pig industry.
“Labor has launched its ham-fisted inquiry into pig welfare in Victoria and I am doing everything I can to stand against this attack on an industry backed by peer-reviewed, global scientific research into animal welfare,” Mr Walsh said.
“This is an ideological-driven campaign, there is no rhyme or reason, in fact it goes against all prevailing evidence and research.”
Off to the races
The Gunbower Harness Racing Club centenary meet includes, across the 10-race field, the $14,000 Brereton Family Centenary Pacers Cup.
The race day will also include a lunch for invited guests including Harness Racing Victoria chair Dale Monteath and Harness Racing Australia CEO Andrew Kelly. RSN racing commentator Mick McGuane will be on course, while Cohuna local Paddy Doyle has the job of calling the racing.
The club will also debut its recently published book, The Gunbower Harness Racing Club 1924-2024 Copies will be on sale for $20 along with caps and stubby holders.
There will also be activities for the kids, a marquee, fishing club barbecue and coffee van.
Club president Roger Brereton said Gunbower now joined Boort as one of the very few country race clubs to reach a centenary milestone.