This month’s meeting of Dubbo City Council will be asked to give the go-ahead to a recommendation to order a full feasibility study into the development of new sheep yards at the important city asset.

The Saleyards Advisory Committee made the recommendation for the staged “greenfield” sheepyard development, along with an earlier sheep selling time and that the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets Function Plan be adopted.

After six months of discussion and parties putting forward their often competing points of view, the mayor hailed the outcome as a success.

“The livestock markets have grown to be the largest saleyards in Australia in terms of combined sheep and cattle throughput,” Cr Matthews said.

“Because of the significance of Dubbo as a livestock selling centre, we need to ensure the successful operation of the markets and provide the best possible service and facilities for all stakeholders.”

Cr Matthews said the proposed earlier sheep selling time of 10.30am Mondays, rather than 12pm, would mean stock could be sold sooner.

“The earlier start time is a good compromise to try and meet the needs of the transporters, buyers and processors,” he said.

“It is also hoped that it will take pressure off the facility while investigations into the upgrade of the saleyards are being undertaken.”

Earlier in the week industry representative Roger Fletcher said the saleyards were overburdened because there was only one sheep sale per week.

A reversion to two sheep sales per week was an option before the advisory committee, but one that stock and station agents representative Paul Dakin said was unworkable.

Cr Matthews said the proposal of a staged ‘greenfield’ sheepyard development will be investigated through a full feasibility study, if the recommendation is adopted by the council this month.

“It is important that it be recognised that the feasibility study will be prepared or potentially moving forward on a staged basis.

“There is substantial land at the existing site which would be ideal for the construction of new sheep selling pens.

“This proposed development will benefit the majority of stakeholders by providing an efficient facility that meets future capacity demands.’’

faye.wheeler

@rura lpress.com