By Luke Voogt
City Hall re-opened the Geelong Saleyards for the region’s first sheep sale of the year on Monday, after spending $200,000 to get it up to scratch.
Farmers sold 1449 sheep during the sale, down on last year’s sales of 1954 and 1621 on 2 and 8 February respectively.
City Hall’s William Tieppo said the yards would remain closed for cattle sales until Geelong’s administrators decide on its future in June.
He said City Hall was working with relevant parties to develop interim arrangements for small-lot cattle sales.
The recent works included new metal selling pens, and the restoration of timber holding pens and overhead walkways.
Mr Teippo said they had brought the facility’s sheep yards up to Occupational Health and Safety standards.
The City this week opened expressions of interest for a committee to advise the administrators on the future of the yards.
But former councillor Tony Ansett said the administrators should take action on the saleyards, rather than create another committee.
“You’ve already got staff that run it,” he said.
“I don’t know why you wouldn’t use them – they’ve got the passion and they’ve got the interest.”
Mr Ansett cited a 2014 Council Feasibility Report on the saleyards, which recommended a joint-regional facility.
The report values the yards at between $4.5m and $5.4m and describes its current financial model as “unstainable”.
Mr Ansett said the previous council had plans to work with Golden Plains, Moorabool, Colac and Surf Coast shires to create a regional facility.
“The regional yards would be a joint project between local shires the City and hopefully (have) State and Federal support,” he said.
He added the saleyards should remain open in the meantime.
“The opportunity to share knowledge and friendship at the saleyards is very important,” he said.
“We pay rates for services and facilities and not all have to make a profit.”
The submission period for expressions of interest for the advisory committee will close at 5pm, Friday 17 February.
Mr Tieppo said those interested could visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/saleyards for more information.
