Sheep, cattle sales suspended

CITY Hall temporarily closed the Geelong Saleyards to sheep and cattle sales this week, due to safety concerns.
A recent council report said overhead steel walkways, which agents use to sell cattle and sheep, were at risk of collapse.
Acting general manager City services, Vicki Shelton, said decay in the platform’s supporting timber posts presented an unacceptable risk.
“The City takes safety seriously and will not compromise the safety of the public and staff at the site.”
Ms Shelton said making the walkways safe would cost at least $250,000.
She said sheep and cattle sales would halt until council investigated the safety of the saleyards.
Poultry sales will continue each Monday, she said.
Ms Shelton said the City would work closely with agents to explore safe, alternate methods of selling stock at the site.
“Sellers and agents have been advised to use the Ballarat and Colac saleyards in the meantime,” she said.
Colac Otway Shire would waive yarding fees at the Colac Regional Saleyards for farmers affected by the closure for the next two months, Ms Shelton said.