Smithton saleyard site to be used for livestock trade after closure of previous North-West facility

Livestock trade will soon recommence in Tasmania’s North West, with a public meeting this week providing further momentum to the push. LATEST >>

• Leaders call for truth about Tasmania’s horrific past
• How to nab a free travel voucher: Questions answered

THE push for a new saleyards operation in Tasmania’s North West continues to gain momentum, with a community meeting this week providing further impetus.

A committee called the North West Community Market wants to restart livestock trade at the former Smithton saleyards site as soon as next month.

It comes after the closure in June by Roberts Limited of the saleyards at Quoiba, near Devonport, and consolidation of operations to a site at Powranna, just south of Launceston.

The formation of the committee followed and several well attended public meetings were held to gauge interest.

Group chairman Mike Badcock said a meeting at the Penguin Surf Club on Tuesday night saw a unanimous decision made to restart livestock sales at the Smithton site as soon as possible.

Mr Badcock said if this proved successful, the committee would look to establish another saleyard further east on the North West Coast that would operate in conjunction.

Parliament, Shane Broad MP. Picture Chris Kidd

He said a petition of 439 signatures was presented to parliament this week by Braddon Labor MP Shane Broad, while the group had received a call by Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett, who had offered support.

The committee is in the process of gaining relevant permissions from Circular Head Council and the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

They are also developing the working arrangements for the site with the landowner of the Smithton site.

Mr Badcock has previously said there would be demand to cater for a weekly sale, with 15,000 cattle and 30,000 sheep put through the Quoiba saleyard per year before it closed.

Follow @cwhiteley12