Dubbo Regional Council are seeking expressions of interest of Dubbo Regional Livestock Market facility

Stock and station agents in the state’s central west are “at a complete loss” over a council’s move to sell one of the country’s largest saleyards.

Generic image of sheep and lamb Sale PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

The future fate of one of the country’s largest publicly-owned saleyards – which sold more than 1.3 million heads of sheep and 200,000 cattle last year – is hanging in the balance amid council plans to sell it off to the highest bidder.

Stock and station agents at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets say a bid by the local council to sell it could damage the region’s economy and be “detrimental” to the livestock industry in the state’s central west.

Dubbo Livestock saleyard facility. Photo: Supplied.

Dubbo Regional Council, the owner and part operator of the 70-year old facility, have opened expressions of interest for the lease or sale of the salesyard.

Dubbo Stock and Stations Agents president Martin Simmonds told The Sunday Telegraph if the saleyard fell into “the wrong hands” it could weaken the region’s economy.

“I’m at a complete loss,” he said. “They are taking away from the city, not just us as agents, but the clients who come to town from out west – they come down, they watch their stock get sold, stay the night, shop while they’re here, dine out.

Dubbo Stock and Station Agent Association president Martin Simmonds. Photo: Supplied.

“It’s continuous cash flow into Dubbo’s economy over a 12-month period.”

“We’re very concerned about our own backyard, but we’re as concerned about the financial drain that will take out of Dubbo and surrounding areas by potentially falling into private hands.

Dubbo deputy mayor Richard Ivey defended the backlash against the expression of interest process, claiming “no decision has been made to either lease or sell the complex”.

Dubbo Regional Council offices. Picture: Ryan Young

He said council was assessing“different operating arrangements”, sparking the expressions of interest process.

Mr Ivey says council are seeking expressions of interest to obtain the value of the facility as they do not know how much it is worth.

“Dubbo is a premier livestock selling centre – it’s much different from those smaller ones – it’s in a completely different league,” he said. “There is absolutely no decision to lease or sell the facility, it’s more or less about making arrangements and having discussions with the operating entity to make sure that we canvassed all options available.”

1.3 million sheep are sold through the facility each year. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

But the deputy mayor told The Sunday Telegraph if the right price was offered, a process could begin to sell the facility.

One of Australia’s largest lamb and sheep abattoirs, Fletcher International Exports owner Rodger Fletcher, said there was a long process before a decision would be made.

Dubbo Regional Council 's cheif executive officer Murray Wood. Picture: Dubbo Regional Council

Council’s chief executive officer, Murray Wood, said ongoing costs of the facility and maintenance had reached $5.15 million per year.

“Council is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability and viability of the livestock markets for the benefit of our community and stakeholders involved, with a view for the markets being a financially self-sufficient commercial asset, while maintaining legislative compliance,” Mr Wood said.