The flooring throughout sheep holding and selling pens is in desperate need of replacing, anyone who has been to the yard is aware of this.

There are many issues that must be addressed if the yard is to operate in the best interests of animals. It seems Mr Woodward appears to be more concerned about a cafe at the new yards as he failed to mention animal welfare.

The Ballarat yard has been scrutinised many, many times for its poor treatment of sheep. This is commonly known and until it lifts its game it will never be the 'number one' saleyard in the state when it comes to welfare.

Other yards in Victoria have improved in leaps and bounds yet many who operate at the Ballarat yard are still not understanding what is expected of them. As an animal advocate who has attended the Ballarat yard many times over the years, I can safely say the biggest problem is the flooring and lack of cover over the yards and animal welfare related matters. The public has high expectations, it's time to meet them.