According to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), in total, 60.94% of all possible woolgrower votes were cast as part of WoolPoll 2012, the biggest return since the triennial vote began 12 years ago. 53.7% of votes were returned in 2009, the organisation says.

Announcing the results today, AWI Chief Executive Officer, Stuart McCullough thanked woolgrowers for getting behind the poll.

“This is a very high level of return for a voluntary vote. WoolPoll 2012 has set a new benchmark for our industry, with highest ever outcome for both votes and voters,” he added.

Mr McCullough said the outcome gave AWI the opportunity to continue the progress made in recent years across all areas of the organisation but emphasised how levies would always be managed responsibly and prudently to deliver outcomes for all growers.

As in previous Polls, eligible levy payers were invited to select their preferred levy option from 00.1, 1, 2, 2.5 and 3%.

Mr McCullough acknowledged the efforts of Will Roberts, Chairman of the WoolPoll Panel. WoolPoll follows strict guidelines set out in the WoolPoll Regulations as an independent, democratic process and results were certified by the Returning Officer from Link Market Services Limited.

Full details of the WoolPoll vote will be presented to the AWI AGM this Friday the 23rd of November, having first been presented to the AWI Board as per due process.

Summary of poll results

Valid votes returned WoolPoll 2012: 60.94%, valid papers returned – 41.72%

Valid votes returned WoolPoll 2009: 53.7%, valid papers returned – 32.65%

The AWI AGM will be broadcast live on the internet at www.wool.com/agm  from 10am Sydney time. The webcast will be available to watch for 12 months from the same site.