A draft report from the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange commercial review – designed to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the facility – will be presented to East Gippsland Shire Council within the next few weeks.

Experienced industry consultant AEC Group was awarded the contract to complete a commercial review of the operations, independent of Council. The review examines the current in-house business model, forecast performance of the facility, and best-practice management options.

Initial work has included consultation with key stakeholders, including livestock agents and staff. A draft report is expected to be presented to Councillors in August.

After the draft report is considered by Council, it will be released to the public and community consultation will continue (except during the Council election period). This will include sessions with user groups, such as the agriculture sector advisory committee.

‍Yards not for sale

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said the review is not considering the option of Council selling the facility.

“The saleyards were built and redeveloped with significant community input and public money, to provide a regional facility that stacks up with the best around the country. The yards support our livestock producers and the local economy,” Ms Weigall said.

“The saleyards have long been important infrastructure for our community and that is not lost on us. Recent investment in the $2 million sheep yards is an example of our commitment to the facility and local producers.”

Ms Weigall said as with any public facility or service, it is important that operations are reviewed to support best practice for the industry and ratepayers.

“There is no predetermined outcome for the review. The exception is that selling the facility is not being considered as part of this review.

“A thriving and diverse economy requires community, government and business stakeholders to work together. Our saleyards need to operate in a way that we can promote and maintain a competitive advantage for our producers and agents to sell through the yards.

“The saleyards are an important economic driver for our region, are of high value from a biosecurity perspective, play a vital role in emergencies, and are a place of social connection.”

The Council-run saleyards feature more than 150 undercover soft-floor and 210 sheep pens, with a yarding capacity of 4,000 cattle and 20,000 sheep/lambs. Council has owned and managed the facility since it was redeveloped.

The Bairnsdale Stock Agents Association, in partnership with Council, recently changed the sale days and times to align with other markets and to best support local producers and buyers.