BALLARAT stock agents are refusing to support the region’s new saleyard development if throughput capacity of the proposed Miners Rest Central Victoria Livestock Exchange (CVLX) was not increased.
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Ballarat City Council’s vote to amend the planning scheme, so the saleyards can be moved from the current Gillies Street site, was slammed by stock agents who are concerned with the design of the development.
TB White & Sons director Gerard White said council’s move was “disappointing” considering the proposed plans were not finalised.
“We are still debating – there are less sheep drafts and ramps in the proposed site than in the current site we are working at,” Mr White said.
“Unless that is rectified the agents won’t sign off their support at the new site and without agents they won’t have much to work with.
Developer Pallisade Investments’ operating agent Regional Infrastructure Pty Ltd (RIPL) has operated the Ballarat saleyards privately since May 2010.
“Five years ago they presented their plans to build a smaller yard to work on a smaller budget to increase the number of sales per month,” Mr White said.
Ballarat Stock and Station Agents Association (BSSAA) president Tom Madden said the group supported the saleyard development at the Miners Rest site, however called on increased consultation between developers and users.
Mr Madden said BSSAA had concerns with the proposed development with fewer drafts, less loading ramps and smaller pens.
Regional Livestock Exchange director Paul Brown said while the plans would not change over the concerns, RLX would continue to consult with agents as design details are finalised.
While he would not name the specific businesses, Mr Brown said “four of the six (major Ballarat) agents have already provided their support for the development”.
“The stock agents are an important stakeholder,” he said. “We have been consulting with them on the design of the new saleyards to ensure we deliver the best possible facility.”