Hamilton saleyards to be upgraded

BREAKING: THE fight for cattle between Western Victoria’s saleyards is set to go another round with the Hamilton council voting to upgrade its centre this week.

Hamilton Weaner Sale, 09.01,2017, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

THE fight for cattle between Western Victoria’s saleyards is set to go another round with the Hamilton council voting to upgrade its centre this week.

Council-owned saleyards in the region, as well as processors seeking to buy stock direct off farm, have been hotly competing for cattle since the privately-owned Mortlake Western Victorian Livestock Exchange opened its doors at the start of the year.

The move has sparked calls from some agents and producers for the region’s livestock industry to get behind this new saleyard.

But, others have wanted to retain their locally-owned selling centres, which return profits to local municipalities and communities.

READ MORE: FRAGMENTATION OF SOUTHWEST VIC YARDS STRETCHES BUYERS

In a statement, Southern Grampians Shire Council said it was investing $1.3 million to roof the cattle yards at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange following a recent review.

The review comprised discussions with interested parties including producers, buyers and agents to better understand the “drivers and inhibitors” to the Hamilton facility.

“There was broad agreement from those interviewed in regards to the lack of a roof on the cattle yards and the impact it is having on the cattle sales. It was the view of those interviewed that council should commit to this capital expenditure to entice agents and buyers to HRLX,” Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor Mary-Ann Brown said.

The roof over the cattle yards follows a $6.5 million investment in the facility in recent years, including roofing over the sheep yards and sealing of truck delivery areas.

The new roofed cattle area will also be able to be used for sheep in peak periods, further increasing the capacity of HRLX for sheep sales.

The report also recommended council communicate and market the HRLX better in order to attract and maintain clientele.

“We have invested heavily into our infrastructure over the past few years and it’s time to start selling ourselves better in order to remain competitive.

The report also recommended that a review of the fees be undertaken.

Consultation with the interviewees indicated that there was a willingness to pay higher fees in order for the cost of the necessary capital works to be recovered.