Council to invest in Saleyards following recommendations from LSWG

Lockyer Valley Regional Council will invest in the remediation of the Laidley Saleyards to help secure the facility’s long-term future.

At its February Council Meeting, Councillors gave the green light to undertake detailed design of critical infrastructure needed to meet regulatory requirements and enhance operations.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan said these works were vital to inform the budget process.

“We have committed to spending up to $200,000 in the remainder of the 2024-25 financial year to undertake detailed design on critical infrastructure components, being the livestock waste water system, cattle dip and other further works.

“This commitment will allow us to finalise those costings and confidently budget for them in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years,” she said.

It comes after the advisory group set up to investigate the future operations of the Saleyards concluded the facility could be financially viable.

“The Laidley Saleyards Working Group (LSWG) has held three meetings to date and after considering all the information presented to the Group, the members, and Council, are of the opinion that the Saleyards could be financially viable with some changes and investment and would continue to make a valuable contribution to the local community.

“To facilitate this, the Group has recommended Council spend $1.2M over three years to undertake capital improvements at the Saleyards, and this motion to undertake detailed design is the first step towards that,” she said.

Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cr Chris Wilson said environmental compliance would be prioritised, namely effluent disposal and entries and exits to the cattle dip.

“Council will also seek financial assistance from the State Government towards dip improvements and operations, which is the level of government actually responsible for biosecurity, in order to reduce the cost burden on our ratepayers.

“This will involve writing to the Minister Primary Industries, Anthony Perrett, and meeting with Local Member, Jim McDonald, to seek assistance for biosecurity obligations regarding cattle ticks.

“This is a positive step and further enforces our commitment to working closely with key stakeholders to try to find a solution that supports our local cattle producers and the wider community,” Cr Wilson said.

The capital improvements recommended by the LSWG will allow for an increase in livestock throughput, attract a broader customer base, support the Saleyards’ future redevelopment and ensure the Saleyards’ long term financial viability and contribution to the local economy.

Established late last year, the LSWG is made up of industry experts, four community-based representatives of local users of the Saleyards, and relevant Councillors and officers.

For more information, visit https://lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au/laidleysaleyards