Farmers fight for sales fix

THE Victorian Farmers Federation is stepping in to find a solution for local livestock producers left in the cold by the imminent closure of the Geelong Saleyards.

The state’s peak farming body is concerned that the industry will move into a “grey market” off the grid, which it says poses a biosecurity risk.

The 148-year-old complex in North Geelong will not host cattle or sheep trade after the final sheep sale is held on August 21.

The council this week resolved to draw the curtain on the historic precinct, with a plan to be drawn up for the future use of the Weddell Rd site.

The move has angered Geelong’s rural sector, which is being pushed into using saleyards at Colac or Ballarat.

VFF livestock group president Leonard Vallance said the Geelong Saleyards was the outlet for small landholders in the region.

“Any move by the council to shut it down without a viable solution could lead to disaster. Does the council really want to be responsible for that outcome?” he said.

Mr Vallance said the shutdown of the site also jeopardised the State Government’s $17 million investment in an electronic traceability system for sheep and goats.

“Without a facility servicing the Geelong surrounds we could see a grey market develop that can’t be monitored by a Government department that is under-resourced,” Mr Vallance said.

An independent report for the council by Mercado warned that stock was already being traded in an unregulated environment.

“This issue at the moment floats under the radar,” Mercado stated.

“Some livestock are traded through local contacts, some via Facebook or Gumtree, and other stock are purchased via cash transaction through established contacts.”

Mr Vallance said the VFF would work with governments to expedite a solution for livestock producers as they seek an integrated supply chain for the Geelong area.

Talks on the local sector’s future will be held at a VFF farmers forum in Geelong on Tuesday.

The council’s decision this week follows a drawn-out limbo period for cattle producers, who have been shut out since the saleyards were closed in August last year.

The site was reopened for sheep sales in February.

The council is now concentrating on working with Colac Otway Shire to develop the under-utilised saleyards in Colac.

“This (Mercado) report notes that a transition of livestock sales to Colac could be accommodated by an additional fortnightly Monday sale and minor modifications to the Colac site,” chief administrator Kathy Alexander said.

The move west has angered members of the saleyards advisory committee, such as farmer Ian Kelly.

“Council has washed its hands of it and handballed responsibility to the Colac Otway Shire,” he said.