The story we would like to write – and that most Ballarat ratepayers would like to hear – is of a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate vital agricultural trade for the next 50 years.

Even more so, we would like to hear about construction going ahead. 

Instead, we have had almost a decade of uncertainty and delay. 

This paper has often argued that the current Latrobe Street site is probably past its use-by date.

While the interests of nearby businesses should be heard, keeping an out-of-date facility in an inner-urban area solely for that reason would seem to be conceding a long-term solution for a short-term one. 

These businesses should be helped in transitioning; even playing an active part in future proposals.

Hanging on in Latrobe Street for want of decisive action seems to be avoiding the issue. 

What we know is that Latrobe Street is run down and too small to accommodate future growth. 

While the issue may not seem that pressing to some, what must be taken into account if the council fails to plan for a long-term future is that the opportunity may well be taken up elsewhere.

As the push for regionalisation occurs, the scale and efficiency of the saleyards site becomes more important and the smaller sites may well be left behind; non-compliant, out-of date and abandoned.

The wisest step in this cruel march of time is ensuring that the planning is ahead of the trend. 

So far, the council has made these strategic decisions, but there are plenty of diversions left in this saga.

The big question now is whether the Sunraysia Highway site is the correct one.

On face value it would seem to have many advantages: great transport proximity and a greenfields site.

But the objections seem to be piling up in the relatively short time since it was chosen.

One is the fear that it will not be big enough for future growth.

Another concern is that as Ballarat grows over the decades the site will simply be surrounded by new residential areas.

If either fear is true, this is not the long-term solution ratepayers have hoped for. 

Miners Rest residents, who certainly don’t agree with the new site, believe their fears about ambient noise and pollution have not been answered by what they claim was a single unsatisfactory meeting with consultants. 

If it is the correct site, then here is a good first step to get things moving.

Address the concerns and prove they have been exhaustively investigated.

We are not advocating rushing such an important project, but action would be a relief to all.