Emotions ran high at a meeting inside the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre on Friday morning as stock agents, the VVF and producers debated the implications of the new Ballarat saleyards project at Miners Rest.

A breakaway group of disgruntled stock agents, who this week threatened the City of Ballarat with legal action of over the move,accused the VVF  of failing to consult with affected parties in the lead up to Friday’s forum.  Ballarat Region Saleyards Action Group member Leigh Chibnall said the VVF was being biased in its delivery by pushing Central Victorian Livestock Exchange’s agenda.

“You’re trying to inflict the CVLX views on your members here,” he said. “Your presentation today is flawed. Your approach is flawed because you haven’t go both sides of the story to take on an informed view of which way to go.”

A key concern of the group comprising of stock agency firms including TB White & Sons, HF Richardson & Co, Charles Stewart and Company and LM & HM Chibnall was the anti-competitive relationship between current the saleyards manager and developer of the Miners Rest saleyards project, Regional Infrastructure Pty Ltd (RIPL) and its half-share owner and Ballarat corporate agency firm, Landmark.

The agents relying on the saleyards for their businesses fear they could be adversely impacted by the changes. VFF livestock president Ian Feldtmann categorically denied the meeting was called in secrecy to frustrate the efforts of those opposing the project. 

“I’m not here to defend myself but I am going to as you have publicly criticised my role,” Mr Feldtmann said. 

“I’m certainly not here supporting the presentation. I asked people to going through the process to plead their case so questions could be answered and misunderstandings could be worked through. As far as being biased and not speaking, I spoke to the White agency (TB White & Sons) long before this meeting was proposed and I suggested to them this would be a way forward on the matter.”

He said VVF members were notified through a member’s alert and the meeting was advertised in the media.  – with Murray Arnel.