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Commitment to new stockyards

Wellington Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing modern and efficient saleyards at a recent meeting of stock agents and major customers.

By Wellington Shire Council - 20th March 2006 - Back to News

The meeting was well attended by around 25 stock agents and major producers. It was organised by local company Foster O’Brien and state MP Peter Ryan and supported by Wellington Shire Council.

Background information was presented on the need for a saleyard relocation, possible location of the new facility, ownership of the facility, current and future management, and timing of a new facility.

"The Council is absolutely committed to a state of the art facility on a Council-owned site," said Wellington Shire Mayor Cr Malcolm Hole.

"A successful saleyards is a key plank in our economic strategy and a new operation is essential if we are to be competitive in attracting both sellers and buyers across the region to yards in Wellington."

The meeting was told that the main drivers for relocation of the current yards was the need to provide a facility that meets latest standards in animal welfare, occupational health and safety for operators, and a cost competitive structure.

Leo O’Brien of agents Foster O’Brien, one of the organisers of the meeting, said agents were generally supportive of the Council plans.

"We are grateful for the Council action on this issue, things are moving forward," said Mr O’Brien.

"A new greenfield site with up to date facilities will be a boon for the local industry."

General support was expressed at the meeting for a new facility being located at Fulham.

"A site like Fulham will give Sale the economic benefits of a new saleyards without the problems of such a facility in the main town area," said Mr O’Brien.

The economic benefit of a new facility was also a driver for VFF support said local representative Peter Jennings.

"The VFF consider the yards important for producers," said Mr Jennings.

"New yards will help maintain the viability of local farmers and the industry.

"We support the Council proposals as positive step for the region," said Mr Jennings.

The current saleyards site is operated under lease arrangements by Ross and Sue Svenson who have sold their business to the Victorian Livestock Exchange. The current site is still owned by Council.

"A change of leaseholder does not affect ownership of the yards," said Ralf Kastan, Director Assets and Operations for Wellington Shire Council.

"The existing lease arrangements will continue with the new operator," said Mr Kastan.

"Council retains ownership of the current site and will be the owner in any relocation of the saleyards."

"Council has and will continue to talk to stakeholders about the saleyards relocation. The aim is to provide a new facility within three years," said Mr Kastan.

Cr Hole said that Council stands by the early development of a new facility.

"A meeting of Council has moved to instruct the CEO to purchase a suitable site. This process is currently underway and we would expect a formal announcement on a site in the coming weeks."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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