Of the 13,506 votes received, following the allocation of three rounds of preferences, 52.82 per cent voted in favour of a 1.5 per cent wool levy. 

The vote went to a preferences after following what was determined to be too close a result between the 1.5 per cent and 2 per cent levy.

On first preferences, 88.28 per cent of woolgrowers had voted for a levy option of either 1.5 per cent or 2 per cent.

“We have listened to woolgrowers and we have heard their message that they believe a 1.5 per cent levy is the appropriate levy rate to be paying at this time on their wool sales,” Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) chief executive officer Stuart McCullough said.

Mr McCullough said AWI would continue to be prudent in managing its balance sheet and would adjust its operations to match available funding as part of the next three year strategic plan, which commences in 2019-20.

He said the company would endeavour to ensure no loss of momentum in the marketing of wool in Australia and overseas and would continue its targeted investment across sheep health and welfare, reproduction, vertebrate pests, genetics, fibre advocacy, farm automation and software development.    

“We recognise confidence in the market and volatility along with other challenging conditions woolgrowers are facing and we are committed to continuing to explore new and innovative ways to make wool growing easier and more profitable for the benefit of woolgrowers,” he said.

“As woolgrowers adjust to the seasonal conditions, so will AWI adapt to the democratic choice of our levy-payers. In doing this we will make certain our operations are transparent and lean.”

AWI chairman Colette Garnsey said the board was appreciative of the strong level of participation in WoolPoll 2018 and the level of support for the continuation of the levy.

“I am encouraged that the vast majority of woolgrowers see the value in AWI’s work and are prepared to contribute towards our R&D and marketing efforts on your behalf,” Ms Garnsey said.

“Let me assure all woolgrowers, we are committed to building resilience into our research, development and marketing investments. AWI will continue to put the interests of woolgrowers first.”

The count of preferences was overseen by Link Market Services and endorsed by the WoolPoll Panel and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.