It stated that this had been finalised and that it was over and done with, with no further input from the community.

As I understand the workings, the council has to approve or deny any building applications. This means that Palisade Investment Partners, the company that is to build and operate the proposed saleyards, does not need to go down the same route to gain permission as the rest of us.

I gather that they can simply decide something and just go ahead without permission.

According to The Courier, the site for the saleyards "is finally confirmed".

Unsuspecting people, if they did read this at such a hectic time as Christmas/New Year, would conclude that everything has been finalised and that all protest would therefore be useless.

I am thankful that we live in a country where big business does not run the government and must abide by the law. I sincerely hope I am not mistaken!

The last time a site for the saleyards was proposed in Miners Rest, there was an outcry at the community meeting at which approximately 300 people were present.

The council wisely decided that Miners Rest was not a suitable site. Why was there no such meeting for the current proposals? This is because everything was decided in secret without the consent, permission or knowledge of the community.

I am 19 years old and I know that the stench of the saleyards can reach up to a three-kilometre distance.

I live only half that distance from the proposed site.

If building goes ahead then my life will be greatly affected by the saleyards. Miners Rest real estate is likely to be devalued.

Miners Rest is a thriving community to which the saleyards will put a stop very quickly. Furthermore, the cattle trucks will pass right through Miners Rest, and the community will suffer accordingly.

TAIDGH KING

Miners Rest