After much discussion and consideration the Limousin Australia Board have decided to hand back the opportunity to hold the International Limousin Conference in Australia in 2023.
“This would have been a great event to coincide with our 50th Anniversary celebrations however the risk of staging an event that could cause high losses for the Australian Limousin Breeders Society would not have been appropriate,” President Chris Meade said.
“Had we been confident that the Covid pandemic was under control around the world our decision may have been different.
“The ILC committee engaged an event management team to put forward a proposal on conducting and managing the various requirements including travel, accommodation, venues and industry relevant presenters however they ended up being a victim of the shutdown of activity during the Covid pandemic.
“On behalf of the Board I sent an information and event expression of interest letter to all of our known Limousin Societies around the world and received only one response back and that was from Sweden.
“For Europeans, Canadians, Americans and South Americans, Australia is seen as an expensive destination to fly to and to make this worse the cost of international flights as well as domestic Australian and New Zealand flights are now much more expensive and prone to cancellations.
“The increase in fuel prices over the last few months would add another barrier to successfully managing this event.
“The shortage of staff available in many venues could also create potential failures to deliver on our visitors expectations. The latest news out of France indicated that the Tour de France bike race will have a new set of controls to minimize the potential for Covid outbreaks during the event.
“We feel that the world is far more than a year away in getting back to normal travel. It is very disappointing to not be able to stage this event however the Board feels that the hand back decision was the responsible and correct decision.”
On the 50th Anniversary celebrations there has already been some planning put into place with some Regions already into action.
Mr Meade said the Board would be pleased to be kept up to date with any plans be it by Regions, APG,s or any other group within the membership.
The Board will consider proposals put forward where the Limousin breed will be the key focus of promotion.
“Typically the Board will consider funding up to 50% for approved events. If you or your group have some ideas or plans please send your proposal in for consideration,” Mr Meade said
“This anniversary is a great opportunity to promote Limousin to commercial breeders all around Australia and New Zealand. It may also be a great opportunity to promote the breed to the broader for its environmental attributes as well. This is an opportunity for you as breeders to be involved.”