A site for the new saleyards is a condition of extending the agreement with the current operators, Regional Infrastructure.
BALLARAT City Council last night discussed a report into the future running of the Ballarat saleyards.
But because it involved the confidential contract of current operators Regional Infrastructure, the talks were held behind closed doors.
In a media statement released yesterday, the council said the report – requested by councillor John Philips at a December 14 meeting – would look at the Ballarat Livestock Selling Centre management, development and sale agreement between council and Regional Infrastructure.
“The report will be discussed in camera as there are components that are contractually confidential,” the statement read.
“The report will not address any proposed future site for a new saleyards facility.”
Cr Philips had made a site announcement a condition of extending Regional Infrastructure’s agreement, with the New South Wales-based company given only until next month to name a location.
At the time Cr Philips said he was very keen for a location to be identified, claiming that millions of dollars were being lost due to the condition of the current Gillies Street site.
However, the statement said, in preparation for a site announcement, Regional Infrastructure had begun talks over new saleyard design features with current users.
The $30 million Ballarat Livestock Selling Centre was due to be operational by this December.
