Saleyards committee endorsed

THE five industry representatives set to form the new-look Saleyards Advisory Committee have been endorsed by Southern Downs councillors.

The committee, which acts as a communication point between SDRC and users of the Warwick Saleyards, is also responsible for identifying grant and funding opportunities.

Industry figures Jim Wedge, Matthew Grayson, Ross Fraser, and John Henry were put forward as representatives of the cattle, agent, transport, and sheep sectors, respectively.

George and Fuhrmann agent Mr Grayson, who was a member of the previous SAC, said the forum’s most important role was promoting producers’ and clients’ interests.

“We need to make sure the producers’ and the agents’ interest are well and truly taken care of, or at least try to,” Mr Grayson said.

“Also, making sure things operate in a functional and cost-effective way, and of course looking to where the saleyards need to be in the future as well.”

SDRC endorsed the appointment at last week’s ordinary meeting, and councillors Cynthia McDonald and Marco Gliori will join three other council officers on the SAC.

The committee historically seats only four industry representatives, but Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley pushed to have Graham Kirkland invited as he said he had a wealth of experience as a producer, but also in running the saleyards.

The SDRC agenda states the SAC will meet quarterly for the remainder of the current council’s four-year tenure.