A new lease for the Shepparton Regional Saleyards has been awarded to Regional Livestock Exchanges starting from January next year.
It comes following a recent public expression of interest process undertaken by Greater Shepparton City Council to consider who would operate the saleyards under a long-term lease.
The council-owned site has been managed by Brendan Carey. The contract will expire at the end of the year.
It is expected the Shepparton Regional Saleyards will undergo a range of improvements in the coming years as well as enhancing operational efficiencies.
Mayor Shane Sali congratulated Regional Livestock Exchanges on being awarded the contract, saying the council had always been committed to getting the best outcome for the future of the facility.
“The saleyards has enormous potential and it continues to record strong sales in a competitive environment,” he said.
“We want to thank everyone who has been involved in this process for their understanding and co-operation. I encourage farmers, stock agents and members of the community to maintain their commitment to the local saleyards and the new operators, Regional Livestock Exchanges.”
Saleyards Advisory Committee chair Cr Geoff Dobson said the long-term lease was a vote of confidence in the Shepparton Regional Saleyards.
“Regional Livestock Exchanges has a proven track record of investing in and improving regional saleyards across Australia, as well as engaging in the local communities where they operate,” he said.
The council thanked Mr Carey from Australian Saleyard Management for managing the saleyards over the past six years.
Further details in Country News next week.