AAMIG, the company that runs the Central Victorian Livestock Exchange (CVLX), were asked to respond to a pollution abatement notice by this week.

It was issued by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) late last year after their analysis showed the smell affecting nearby residential areas - mostly to the north-east of the site - was "far worse than was predicted".

In that notice, the EPA asked the saleyard operators to investigate the possibility of a roof over sheep yards, as well as modify the facilities to make them easier to clean.

AAMIG confirmed on Friday they had responded to the notice and said an "innovative" deodorising system was one of the suggestions they had put forward. In a statement they said "management are confident this system will provide a positive impact once installation is completed."

The system would disperse a deodorant to neutralise odours caused by organic compounds.

It also said plans for "buffer vegetation", which would include 4,400 native shrub seedlings as well as 50 mature trees, were underway, with windrows being prepared for planting this month.

However, a spokesperson said their consultants suggested the roof would not reduce odours, and noted that GHD, a firm engaged by Council, also shared that view.

Tim Gallagher, the CEO of AAMIG, said: "Operational procedures continue to be refined and CVLX remains committed to working with the EPA, Council and the surrounding communities in relation to addressing matters raised and achieving positive and sustainable outcomes for the site into the future."

Speaking to The Courier recently, residents said that while the odour had improved, it was still significant. Judi Evans, a resident of Albert Street said: "[The odour] is awful but it's not quite as bad. It's still there and shouldn't be. CVLX said we would never smell it."

With the odour only affecting a relatively small area, Ms Evans said the issue had proved a divisive one with some residents not affected by the odour accusing others of being 'whingers".

"Friendships have been tested," she said.

The EPA has said almost 80 residents had reported odour with 390 pollution reports in the nine months up to late November last year. It is the third time the company has had an EPA since the new saleyards opened in October 2018.

Councillor Grant Tillett, a long-term opponent to the relocation of the saleyards from Delacombe to Miners Rest, again raised the subject at last Wednesday's council meeting.

He asked about the report from GHD, the firm engaged by council to carry out an independent review, and was told that it would remain confidential.

The EPA, meanwhile, confirmed that it had received the report from CVLX management.

In a statement, a spokesperson wrote:

2002: Then councillor Wayne Rigg questioned the ability of the Latrobe Street saleyards to meet the needs of the expanding livestock-selling sector in Ballarat.

2005: Council named Cardigan and Learmonth as possible locations for the new saleyards.

Following a groundswell of community opposition, Learmonth was then named for as a $30 million agri-business hub that included saleyards and an abattoir in 2006.

2007: Councillors pass the responsibility of the saleyards relocation onto the state government.

2012: Miners Rest is named the site of the new saleyards, City Councillor John Philips wants the new Miners Rest saleyard site to get up and running as soon as possible. Work expected to begin in 2014.

2013: Miners Rest residents say the plans have the potential to ruin their township.

In 2014: RLX Investment Company Pty Ltd and Regional Infrastructure Pty Ltd (RIPL) submit the application to relocate the Ballarat saleyard to Miners Rest.

2015: Council officially approves the planning application with a vote of seven-to-two despite significant public push-back.

2017: Works begin on the new saleyards.

2018: First sales are announced for August 17. However the date is pushed back due to poor weather conditions.

October 2018: The first day of sales takes place at the new facility in Miners Rest.

December 2018: First EPA abatement notice issued.

May 2019: Second EPA abatement notice issued, with CVLX required to

December 2019: Third EPA abatement notice issued.

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