The site would employ 30 to 40 people and would have the capacity to slaughter 150 camels daily.

Plans of an actual facility surfaced last year as company Magdiens Australia looked to set up a $15 million abattoir.

While they will only cater for camels initially, the permanent abattoir could also be used for other feral animals and domesticated species.

Business owner Magdy Ashram said he was excited about the important milestone in his project. “We are still having a few problems with infrastructure,” he said.

“We want to have the temporary facility launched by the second week of February.” He said the permanent facility was still in the process of gaining the required approvals.

Mayor Brenton Vanstone said he was happy with the latest development.

“I have been talking to the Commercial and Investment Division at Primary Industries and Resources SA,” he said. “They believe Magdy is a serious investor.”

Speaking of the job prospects, Mr Vanstone said he expected the project to have huge spin-offs.

“There will people involved at a production level as well administration, transport and grain fodder,” he said.

“We are seeking government funding for roads.”

He said there would be a dual

benefit if the government funded the roadworks. “They need to remember there would be two commercial benefits – with the camel abattoir and Young’s Quarry sharing access to the road,” he said.He said there was still a long way to go with the facility, but that it was starting to head into a production phase.

Local camel abattoir advocate Pauline Haseldine described the latest news as

“fantastic”.

“This is good for the economy of our town,” she said.

She said this would have spin-offs for real estate, car sales and retail.

“This news is a good start to the year,” she said.

“More people are opening businesses and we need more pay packets.”