The relocation of the Ballarat saleyards is one step closer, but the town’s agents remain divided over it.
The Victorian Government has approved changes to the Ballarat Planning Scheme that will facilitate the relocation and development of new $21 million saleyards near the town.
According to the government, the relocated site 1km southwest of Miners Rest, will cater for the transfer of 70,000 cattle and 1.6 million sheep annually from across Victoria, boost local jobs and support the viability of the agricultural section in the region. Ballarat Stock & Station Agents Association president Tom Madden, TB White & Sons, said after a long and drawn-out process, he is not surprised by the re-zoning announcement.
(the new site) will cater for the transfer of 70,000 cattle and 1.6 million sheep annually from across Victoria
Many of the major livestock agencies in Ballarat continue to be bitterly opposed about the saleyard relocation. Mr Madden said it could be a good thing, provided that the project’s “preferred proponent” (as referenced in an independent panel report into the relocation) Regional Infrastructure Pty Ltd design and construct a workable facility that suits the region’s livestock industry’s maximum capacity needs. The current livestock exchange facility has an annual turnover of $160 million and supports the direct employment of some 630 people across the agriculture sector within the region.
Mr Madden said saleyard users and council ratepayers had put money into the existing yards through their fees and rates, and under the current plan it seemed that these groups would not get any recompense for decommissioning it. Responding to community concerns, the zone being created for the new site includes a strict list of requirements the applicant will need to meet before the new livestock exchange facility can be developed.
These requirements include ensuring that water and soil quality are protected and that regulatory authorities (including for flooding and water) are fully satisfied with the proposed facility and how it will operate.
In addition, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will ensure strict environmental standards are met (including for odour and noise) for the site, during its construction and on-going operation. Acting Planning Minister Tim Pallas said It was important to keep this facility in Ballarat to secure hundreds of local jobs and promote growth.
