WELLINGTON Shire Council would like to receive feedback as part of a strategic review of the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange (GRLE).
The GRLE has been operating for more than 60 years and was upgraded in 2016 to ensure it could achieve modern animal welfare and environmental standards.
Following the sale yards’ sustained period of declining throughput, the strategic review will identify and investigate issues, and test opportunities identified to support the exchange’s future.
As part of this consultation, council is working closely with livestock agents and other key stakeholders, seeking input to identify suitable recommendations.
Stage one of the review, which assessed the existing conditions of the sale yards, was completed in mid-2023; stage two is about hearing from sale yard stakeholders.
Urban Enterprise, together with the agriculture consulting firm Outcross Agri-Services, will complete the consultation process and identify recommendations. Each consultant has had experience in understanding the operations of regional sale yards.
To take part, those interested can complete a short survey or provide contact details to speak with a consultant. It is open to all sale yard stakeholders, including livestock agents, producers, buyers and transporters.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said all sale yard stakeholders can share their knowledge, experiences, ideas, and concerns relating to the current and future use of the exchange.
“Despite previous council investment, we have seen a decline in throughput. I strongly encourage all those with an interest or connection with our sale yards to participate. This review is critical to ensure that council understands any challenges with the site and opportunities for future use and growth” Cr Bye said.
To participate in the GRLE strategic review, visit your.wellington.vic.gov.au or grle.com.au.
A hard copy version of the survey is also available at council’s customer service centres in Sale (18 Desailly Street) and Yarram (156 Grant Street) and at the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange (Saleyards Road in Sale).
For more information or to register for a phone callm dial 1300 366 244.
