Saleyard future: public comment sought

Gympie Regional Council has called for public comment on a draft strategic plan on Gympie Saleyard, with a greenfield redevelopment that will propel it into the future the favoured option.

Gympie Saleyards. Picture: File

A GREENFIELDS site with better truck access is the recommended measure in the draft Gympie Saleyard Strategic Plan.

Gympie Councillor Mal Gear said the council, which operates the saleyard, has called for community comment on the draft plan.

“The plan shows a five- to 10-year life of the existing saleyards, and we understand that there is urban encroachment, and vehicle access there is getting a bit hard,” Cr Gear said.

“Council understands we need to start looking now for a new site.”

An opportunity to improve access is presented by the planned Gympie bypass.

“We will start looking at sites shortly, but we recognise that the industry is an important economic driver for the region, so we want to do this properly,” Mr Gear said.

“It’s important to build functionality around the region, so it will take a bit of time to get it right.”

He said the plan to develop a new facility was in keeping with industry trends.

“There’s been a lot of money going into saleyards across Australia in the last few years, how they’re managed and how they are run more efficiently,” Cr Gear said.

“By having a more efficient saleyard, cattle sales might increase. A newer saleyard might attract more sellers and buyers from outside the region.”

The plan suggests a greenfields site could offer expansion opportunities around other cattle industry supply chain businesses, although Cr Gear said the principal focus for now remained with creating a quality saleyard.

Councillor Mal Gear. Picture: Renee Albrecht

Beyond access pinch points, the consultation for the plan cited some issues around flow of stock through the site when at capacity. Factors such as improved environmental management are also factors suggesting that a greenfields site is the advisable path.

Council has engaged in information sessions with key stakeholders as part of the process. The draft strategic plan and comment portals can be found at www.gympie.qld.gov. au/haveyoursay.

Planned and budgeted safety upgrades to the current site will still proceed.