THE possibility of Ballarat losing a multimillion dollar livestock hub has gained momentum as neighbouring shires express their interest in the relocation process.
Multiple shires around the region have opened themselves up to consultation about moving the saleyards out of Ballarat’s boundaries, posing a potential loss of $190 million and 700 jobs to the city.
At a forum held by the No-Saleyards for Miners Rest Action Group, Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell voiced his concerns over the proposed design for the Sunraysia Highway site, suggesting it does not meet standards expected of a future regional facility.
He told Miners Rest residents at the forum he believed the decision for the location of the new site should be made by all surrounding shires.
‘‘It’s a regional issue. I find it confusing that it’s confined to Ballarat,’’ Cr Tatchell said.
‘‘Why does Ballarat have a right to the saleyards? I think the people of Victoria should have a say about what suits everyone. ‘‘There are eight shires around the hub we’re talking about. I thought it would be common sense to involve them all.’’
Cr Tatchell said money spent on the independent planning panel, appointed to make recommendations before councillors vote on the proposal, could have been utilised elsewhere if the surrounding shires had been asked to join the consultation process from the beginning.
‘‘If it turns out Ballarat is the best place, we will support that,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s about time Ballarat started being good neighbours.’’
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Wendy McIvor said if Ballarat couldn’t come to a consensus, the shire would be happy to take on the project if the community of Central Goldfields agreed.
‘‘It’s something our shire would be open to consultation with,’’ she said.
"It will be a benefit to our community and open up significant opportunities. We see it as an opportunity, not a liability.’’
Ballarat mayor John Philips said while he hadn’t made any decisions about the future site of the saleyard, he would take into consideration the impact the hub had on the economy.
‘‘I haven’t made up my mind,’’ he said.
No-Saleyards for Miners Rest Action Group spokeswoman Eileen McGhee said she believed earlier consultation with the region could have already found a more suitable location for the site
