Row over saleyards payment
SURF Coast council will provide a one-off $7000 payment to Colac Otway Shire to assist operations at the Colac Saleyards, in a move one councillor called a “betrayal of the rural community”.
The Geelong Saleyards ceased operations in August, with additional sales established at Colac Saleyards to compensate the loss.
Cr Heather Wellington was the only vote against the $7000 payment.
“Our role is to stand up for our own shire and the periurban areas of Geelong and say that they need a service that meets their needs,” Cr Wellington said.
“I would have liked to think the Surf Coast Shire would say no to supporting a solution people don’t want. This is a betrayal of the community.”
Reports indicated 25 per cent of Geelong Saleyards use came from Surf Coast Shire.
“(Colac Saleyards) is too far away, and it’s in the middle of dairy country, so sheep are not its priority,” she said.
The final sale at Geelong on August 21 handled the sale of 945 sheep. Only 40 sheep were available for Colac’s first sale.
City of Greater Geelong saleyards advisory committee member Ian Kelly said the committee had told the CoGG council Colac was not a viable replacement for the saleyards.
“For the Surf Coast Shire to provide that payment, it’s an absolute waste of ratepayers’ money,” Mr Kelly said.
“The CoGG council wants the nice rolling fields full of livestock to keep up appearances, but they’re stifling small farmers’ potential to operate.” WALK into the Geelong East Men’s Shed and you will find a bunch of blokes unravelling life’s big questions and doing their bit for the community.
Club secretary Wayne Clarke said members worked throughout the year for local charities and groups, including hospitals.
“Ever since the club’s inception in 2008 we’ve always done things for the community,” Mr Clarke said.
Funds are raised from barbecues and selling handmade toys.
Mr Clarke said the shed provided the venue commaraderie and a sense of purpose for members.
“The men’s shed is a place where guys can come and solve the problems they have. If they want to work in the workshop they can,” he said.
Mr Clarke first joined the group close to five years ago finding himself at a loose end during early retirement. His urged him to get out of his chair and go “find himself”.
While finding themselves members of the shed have raised thousands of dollars for Geelong.
Members are currently celebrating National Men’s Shed week.