The Ballarat saleyards are set to be upgraded.
BALLARAT’S proposed new $21 million Central Victorian Livestock Exchange would be a vastly different facility to the city’s current saleyards, according to Regional Infrastructure managing director Garry Edwards.
Regional Infrastructure will unveil its plans for the new saleyards at its preferred site near Miners Rest, during a series of consultation meetings next week.
Community opinion is divided about the preferred site, on the north-west corner of the Western and Sunraysia highways.
Nearby residents have been particularly concerned about the impact on the area.
Mr Edwards said conceptual plans would be unveiled at next week’s meetings to show what it would look like on the site.
He said the meetings would inform user groups and the broader community about the project.
A consultation session for community and business groups is planned for Tuesday at 6pm in the Mining Exchange, Lydiard St, with a session for saleyard users at 6pm on Wednesday.
“There have been massive improvements around wastewater management, odour and noise management,” Mr Edwards said.
“From a users’ aspect, they’re into the different types of features and the modernisation of the facility.
“Hopefully the meeting will address any concerns people may have.”
City of Ballarat councillor John Philips said the consultation sessions would help Regional Infrastructure fine-tune design works ahead of submitting a planning application to the council.
He said it was an important project for Ballarat.
“A $21 million saleyards being developed would not only generate employment but future business for many years to come,” he said.
“There’s been people concerned about what it will bring to the area, even around animal noise.
“This is an opportunity to put their point forward and discuss it.”
Community members are invited to register for the information sessions at cvlx.com.au