Warragul, Pakenham saleyards to close by Christmas

Warragul and Pakenham saleyards will hold their final sales this year, after owners announced a new centralised exchange in West Gippsland. Details here.

The Warragul saleyards, which hold its last sale in December. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

WARRAGUL and Pakenham saleyards are both to close, with their owner announcing a centralised exchange in West Gippsland.

Victorian Livestock Exchange said it would build a new saleyard within the Baw Baw Shire area, although a specific site was not disclosed.

In a statement, VLE managing director Wayne Osborne said a short list of preferred sites had been drawn up but the company remained open to approaches from other property owners.

He said the Warragul saleyards would wrap up its cattle market on November 1 and its last calf sale was scheduled for December 16.

“Merging of the Warragul and Pakenham markets is a critical step in maintaining the

viability of the live auction system in West Gippsland,” Mr Osborne said.

“The VLE will be working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition of business — both of Warragul into Pakenham and then Pakenham into the new site.

“The Pakenham site is quite functional and upgrades are underway to ensure this

remains the case whilst the new facility is developed.”

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As a result of the initial Warragul-Pakenham merger, the Pakenham sales will return

to its previous schedule of prime cattle markets on Mondays; cow, bull and calf markets on Tuesdays; and store markets every second Thursday.

Dairy sales will continue to be held on Fridays when transferred to Pakenham.