THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Livestock Group is urging all users of the Ballarat Livestock Selling Centre to voice their opposition to the proposed increase in fees.
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VFF Livestock Councillor Geoff Fisken said local farmers and the VFF were strongly opposed to the proposed 30 per cent increase in selling fees at the saleyards.
“This increase in fees will deliver no benefit to the farmers, agents and buyers who use the yards and should not be supported by the City of Ballarat,” Mr Fisken said.
“The VFF is concerned that the proposed fee increases are unrealistic and do not correlate with an increase in the level of service at the yards.”
“The lack of an appropriate and comprehensive consultation process gives rise to serious questions regarding transparency. This is especially the case in relation to the provision of information relating to finances.”
“The VFF is making a written submission to Council recommending the proposed increase in fees be rejected and that Council instead engage with all users of the saleyards in an open and effective consultation process. Through this process a more equitable outcome for all stakeholders can be achieved.”
“The VFF is calling on all users of the Ballarat Livestock Selling Centre to put their opposition to the fee increase in writing and lodge their objections with council before the deadline,” Mr Fisken concluded.
The Ballarat City Council is inviting written submissions on this matter. Submissions are due by Monday 27 September.
